New Indiana law restricts student cell phone use during school day
Indiana schools are rolling out new restrictions on personal wireless devices this year under a new state law requiring all public school corporations to adopt policies limiting student device use during the school day.
School officials noted on their social media that the policy isn’t locally created — it’s a statewide mandate, and districts are simply implementing what state law now requires. Under the law, schools may either prohibit personal devices entirely or require that they be stored (rather than kept on a student’s person) during the school day; the specific approach is up to each district.
Key points for families to know:
- Devices aren’t banned outright. Students may still bring phones to school, but they must be stored — typically off and out of reach, in a backpack or bag — for the duration of the school day, depending on the district’s chosen policy.
- Smartwatches are included. Apple Watches and other smartwatches are treated the same as cell phones under the law.
- Restrictions apply throughout the day. Devices generally may not be used during lunch, recess, passing periods, or instructional time unless a specific exception applies.
- Exceptions are limited. Common exceptions include documented medical needs, IEP or Section 504 Plan accommodations, language translation needs, and other exceptions authorized by law.
- Emergency contact procedures. Parents needing to reach a child during the day are asked to contact the school office rather than the student directly. In an actual emergency, schools will follow established safety procedures.
- Discipline emphasizes education over punishment. Districts say enforcement will follow existing discipline procedures, with an emphasis on progressive accountability rather than severe penalties for violations.
Districts are expected to share more detailed guidance — including storage procedures and device policies — with families before the start of the school year.
Southwest Dubois County School Corporation and Northeast Dubois County School Corporation posted the following images on social media to help the public better understand the new law.
