LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Indiana lawmakers are pushing for an all-day ban on phones in schools during this legislative session.
In 2024, state lawmakers passed a bill that requires school districts to have regulations on cellphones, laptops and smartwatches during instructional time. This left it up to the districts to put a full ban on the technology.
Now, Senate Bill 78 is moving quickly through the statehouse. If passed, kids will have to leave those devices at home or in a secure storage device at school for the entire day.
Jennifer Smith-Margraf, president of the Indiana State Teachers Association, said teachers and administrators have told them there needs to be a larger ban than the one currently in place.
"This wasn't being well enforced across the state, and students were still using their cellphones all the time during instructional time," Smith-Margraf said.
Some parents said they're concerned about not being able to get in contact with their kids during the school day or if there's an emergency. Smith-Margraf said lawmakers have considered that.
"Many of our districts run trainings where this is included, and so that has been conversation that is part of the bill. And as a parent of a first grader, I certainly understand why parents want that to be part of the plan," Smith-Margraf said.
There are also exemptions to the bill if a student has a medical condition they need to monitor on their phone or if they have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that requires access to technology.
Laura Morris used to teach middle school, and says cellphones were a distraction in the classroom.
"I believe that if they're taken away and banned in schools that education can be what it's supposed to be," she said.
The bill also allows grants from the Indiana Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG) program to be used for certain storage pouches, like the widely used Yondr pouches, which some southern Indiana schools already use, including Community Montessori in New Albany
Madison Consolidated Schools leaders told WDRB their policy is pretty strict, and they have an expectation that students do not use them outside of passing periods and lunchtime.
They added that some teachers allow use when work is completed.
Silver Creek School Corporation leaders said if the bill is passed, they will determine what changes they need to implement once it goes into effect.
On New Albany Floyd County Schools' website, it says all wireless communication devices should be powered off completely during school hours and be stored out of sight.
Clarksville Community Schools states in the student handbook, "The use of cellphones/electronic devices is not permitted at any time during instructional time."
Last Wednesday, the bill passed in the House Education Committee 12-0. It now heads to the full House.
More Coverage:
Proposed Indiana Senate bill could require full-day cellphone ban in schools
Parents sound off on Indiana's new law that cuts cellphone usage in classrooms
Southern Indiana school requiring students to lock phones in pouches to curb use in classrooms
New Indiana law requires schools to adopt tech regulations in effort to keep phones out of class
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