Wisconsin Enacts Statewide Cellphone Restriction Law for Students

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed a bipartisan bill on Friday that mandates public school boards to prohibit student cellphone use during instructional time, marking a significant shift in state education policy amid rising concerns over student focus and mental health.

The law requires school districts to implement policies by July that ban personal cellphones during the school day, with exceptions for emergencies, healthcare needs, and teacher-approved use of district-issued devices. The legislation passed the Senate on Oct. 14 with a 29-4 vote and received bipartisan support in the Assembly earlier this year.

Evers, a Democrat and former educator, expressed support for the measure despite acknowledging that local school boards should have authority over such policies. “My promise is to always do what’s best for our kids,” he stated, citing growing concerns about the impact of phone use on mental health and academic performance.

Republican lawmakers defended the law as necessary to provide schools with clear guidelines, emphasizing that enforcement remains a critical challenge. GOP Rep. Joel Kitchens noted that the bill aligns with broader efforts to address classroom disruptions, stating, “We are saying to school districts that we’re standing with you on this.”

The legislation reflects national trends, as many states adopt similar measures to combat student distraction and cyberbullying. While 90% of Wisconsin districts already had some cellphone restrictions in place, critics argue the law may impose unfunded mandates and risk overreach. School administrators now face decisions on enforcement methods, such as device storage or teacher-controlled access, while the state will monitor policy implementation.