By Indiana State Senator Randy Maxwell
In schools today, devices like cellphones, tablets, and smart watches are preventing many of our students from paying attention in class.
That’s why I supported Senate Enrolled Act 78 this year, which prohibits students from using cellphones and other personal devices for the duration of the school day, with only a few exceptions.
Those exceptions include:
• During emergency situations approved by their school district;
• If the device is allowed under a student’s Individualized Education Program or 504 plan;
• For health and medical purposes; and
• Language translation for multi-lingual students.
Indiana already has a law that limits students’ use of cellphones in the classroom, but SEA 78 strengthens the limitation and sets a clearer standard of a “bell-to-bell” phone ban.
With the passage of this law, Indiana joins at least 20 other states that have enacted a similar “bell-to-bell” ban for their schools. Parents who want more information about how this change will affect their family should contact their local school.
