11/03/2025

MADISON - Wisconsin became the 36th state to ban student cell phone use during class, following a bipartisan bill signed by Gov. Tony Evers. Citing concerns about distraction, bullying, and hindered development, Evers, despite preferring local control, joined a rapid trend started by Florida in 2023. The new law, effective July 1, mandates public schools prohibit phones during instructional time, with exceptions for emergencies, health, IEPs, or teacher-approved educational use. This reflects a growing consensus on phones’ negative impact on students, though some research conflicts. Most Wisconsin districts already had similar policies. Evers signed it despite some opposition from some Democrats in the Legislature who said controlling gun violence should be a higher priority than banning cellphones.