3/04/2026

MADISON- Wisconsin lawmakers are pushing to join 20 other states in banning cellphones in schools from bell to bell.  A policy already set to take effect next school year prohibits phone use during instructional time, allowing students to use their devices during free periods such as lunch. A new Republican proposal would go further, requiring schools to adopt a full bell-to-bell ban by July 1, 2027.  The Republican measure would physically remove phones from students.  One study that shows a 6.5% increase academically in schools with a bell-to-bell ban.”  Many schools currently have bans in place during learning periods. The bill would extend that restriction to cover the entire school day.