Indiana recently introduced House Bill 1034 and Senate Bill 78, which propose a complete ban on wireless communication devices in schools beginning July 1, 2026.
Under current Indiana law, students are allowed to use cell phones during lunch and passing periods. If the bills pass full legislation, schools would be required to either ban wireless devices on school grounds or secure student devices in storage during the school day. The ban would include smartwatches, headphones, personal tablets and other wireless communication devices. Students who need devices for medical or language assistance would be exempt.
Supporters of the bills argue that limiting device use would reduce classroom distractions and improve learning. One of the major reasons for the proposal is the belief that students struggle with self-control when it comes to phone use. Mervyn Barenie, a seventh-grade geography teacher, explained why he believes the bill would benefit education.
“If a phone vibrates, it’s an automatic distraction that has to be addressed,” Barenie said. “If you’re expecting a text from someone, that’s on your mind, not whatever is supposed to be going on in the classroom.” He added that stricter phone policies could reduce distractions and improve education overall.
Representative Jake Teshka (R-Ind.), author of HB 1034, said removing cell phones from classrooms would improve test scores and student mental health. He added that the ban would also make teachers’ lives easier by helping students stay attentive in class.
The proposed legislation has gained bipartisan support. According to a WTHR article, a news source out of Indianapolis,, Democrats, Republicans and Independents backed SB 78, with 63% overall support.
Despite this support, some students have raised concerns. Ariana Williams, a seventh-grade student, said the bill makes her uncomfortable. “I think kids would be stressed and worrying about if an emergency happens; they won’t have a phone to contact anyone,” Williams said.
In Indiana, student mental health, test scores and social interactions have been declining, while students spend an average of 1.5 hours on their phones during the school day. Supporters of the legislation believe banning devices altogether could help address these issues.
