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Indiana Governor Signs Law Restricting Cellphone Usage in Schools for Entire Day
The law requires schools to update device policies and gives the Indiana Department of Education guidance, with exceptions for emergencies and some student plans.
- On Wednesday, Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed Senate Enrolled Act 78, implementing a 'bell-to-bell' ban on cell phones in Indiana classrooms effective July 1.
- Expanding Indiana's existing restrictions, which previously only applied during instructional time, the legislation now prohibits device use throughout the entire school day to curb distractions and support teachers.
- The law includes specific exceptions for emergencies, students with Individualized Education Programs or 504 plans, and medical needs, while the Indiana Department of Education must provide model policy language and implementation guidance.
- Indiana joins Ohio and Kentucky in adopting these measures, which bill sponsor State Representative Jake Teshka said will 'help to keep students focused, support teachers, and improve the classroom environment.'
- Schools must update local policies before the ban takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year, though some parents have expressed concerns about contacting children during emergencies.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
Indiana schools face stricter cellphone rules under new ‘bell-to-bell’ law starting July 1
Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signs Indiana’s new “bell-to-bell” school cellphone restriction law alongside Rep. Jake Teshka, R-North Liberty (left), and Sen. Jeff Raatz, R-Richmond (right), on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation Administration Building in Whiteland, Indiana. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed Indiana’s new “bell-to-bell” school cellphone res…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
62% Center
15%
C 62%
R 23%
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