INDIANA — A stricter statewide crackdown on digital distractions in the classroom is one step closer to reality. On Wednesday, February 11, the Indiana House Education Committee unanimously advanced Senate Bill 78, a measure that would effectively ban student use of cellphones and smartwatches for the duration of the entire school day.
The bill, which passed the committee with a 12-0 vote, seeks to expand upon a 2024 law that currently only prohibits device use during active instructional time.
If enacted, SB 78 would require every school corporation and charter school in Indiana to implement a policy where wireless devices are powered off and stored away from the first bell of the morning until the final bell in the afternoon.
This “bell-to-bell” approach would eliminate current “loopholes” that allow students to access social media and messaging apps during:
- Lunch periods
- Passing periods in hallways
- Recess or study halls
State Representative Vernon Smith (D-Gary), a former school principal and a vocal supporter of the bill, emphasized the social benefits of the total ban. “I saw how disruptive devices were during my time as a principal,” Smith said. “By prohibiting devices, we encourage students to focus more on their studies and interact with their peers face-to-face rather than through a screen.”
Despite the strict nature of the proposed ban, the bill includes mandatory exceptions to ensure student safety and equity. Schools must allow device use in the following circumstances:
- Medical Emergencies: For students with health conditions (e.g., monitoring blood sugar for diabetes).
- Educational Requirements: If a teacher specifically directs the use of a device for a lesson.
- Special Education: If a device is explicitly required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.
- Language Translation: For multilingual learners who require digital tools for real-time translation.
While the committee vote was unanimous, the bill has faced significant debate regarding the logistical burden on schools. Districts like Fort Wayne Community Schools have already pioneered “phone-free” environments using specialized locking pouches, a move that cost the district an estimated $400,000 to $500,000.
Other lawmakers have raised concerns about:
- Liability: Who is responsible if a stored phone is stolen or damaged?
- Local Control: Whether the state should mandate a uniform policy or allow individual districts to set their own rules.
- Safety: Some parents expressed anxiety about being unable to reach their children instantly during an emergency, such as a school lockdown.
Senate Bill 78 now moves to the full Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration. If passed and signed by the Governor, the new requirements would take effect on July 1, 2026, in time for the 2026-2027 school year.
