Indiana Lawmakers Weigh Stricter School Cellphone Ban

Bill would prohibit student access to phones during entire school day, not just class time

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:07pm

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Indiana lawmakers are considering a bill that would strengthen the state's existing cellphone ban in schools, prohibiting students from accessing their phones during the entire school day rather than just during class time. The bill, Senate Bill 78, has received support from parents who say unrestricted cellphone use is a distraction and perpetuates bullying, while education professionals cited research showing the benefits of limiting phone access.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation aims to address concerns about the negative impacts of cellphone use in schools, including distraction from learning, cyberbullying, and lack of in-person social interaction. If passed, it could set a precedent for other states considering similar measures to curb student cellphone use during the school day.

The details

Senate Bill 78 would require every school corporation in Indiana to adopt and enforce a policy banning student cellphone use for the entire school day, not just during class time. The bill does not specify how schools should implement the ban, giving them flexibility to determine the best approach. It would also allow teachers to use school-owned wireless devices during class if needed. Several parents and education professionals testified in support of the bill, citing research showing the benefits of limiting phone access, such as higher GPAs.

  • Senate Bill 78 has already passed out of the Indiana Senate and is now being considered by the House Education Committee.
  • The committee did not vote on the bill during the hearing on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

The players

Senator Jeff Raatz

The author of Senate Bill 78, who explained that the bill was purposefully written to give schools flexibility in implementing the cellphone ban.

Greg Hensen

A parent who testified in support of the bill, saying he has seen students posting TikToks and checking phones during class, which is a distraction and perpetuates bullying.

Marrisa Tanner

A parent and educator who testified about the benefits of setting firm, consistent boundaries around cell phone use during the school day.

Kristen Casper

A representative from Stand for Children Indiana, who cited research showing that the further away a phone is, the higher a student's GPA.

Jeff Butts

The representative of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, who explained that the main issue is the back-and-forth of social media use, not just texting or phone calls.

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What they’re saying

“I know kids are posting Tik-Toks and checking their phones during class. It's a complete distraction. It is also perpetuating bullying and keeping kids from connecting one on one.”

— Greg Hensen, Parent (WTHR)

“As both a parent and an educator, I've seen first hand the damage unrestricted cell phone use causes and the powerful benefits that come from setting firm, consistent boundaries.”

— Marrisa Tanner, Parent and Educator (WTHR)

“The further away the phone, the higher the GPA. It's a finding from psychologist Angela Duckworth who explains that physical distance from your phone creates psychological distance from temptation.”

— Kristen Casper, Stand for Children Indiana (WTHR)

“It is not as much the texting back and forth or making phone calls. It is the back and forth that is occurring with social media.”

— Jeff Butts, Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (WTHR)

What’s next

The House Education Committee did not vote on Senate Bill 78 during the hearing on February 4, 2026, so the next step will be for the committee to consider the bill further and potentially hold another hearing or vote on it.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation reflects growing concerns among parents and educators about the disruptive impact of unrestricted cellphone use in schools, and the potential benefits of setting clear boundaries to limit distractions and promote better learning and social engagement. If passed, it could serve as a model for other states looking to address similar issues in their own school systems.