Indiana Lawmakers Pass Bills Affecting Schools on Cellphones, Social Media, and Immigration

New restrictions on student social media use and cellphone bans during school hours among the education bills passed in the 2026 legislative session.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Indiana lawmakers passed a number of bills in the 2026 legislative session that will reshape the state's schools, including restrictions on social media use for minors, a ban on cellphones during school hours, and a mandate for greater school cooperation with immigration enforcement. The bills aim to address concerns about student mental health, academic performance, and school safety, though some may face legal challenges.

Why it matters

These new laws will have a significant impact on how students spend their time in school and interact with technology, with potential implications for their academic success, mental health, and overall school environment. The social media and cellphone restrictions reflect growing concerns about the effects of technology on young people, while the immigration bill raises questions about the role of schools in immigration enforcement.

The details

The social media restriction, added to HB 1408, requires social media providers to verify users' ages and get parental permission for accounts of those under 16. It also limits algorithmic content and communication for minor accounts and gives parents monitoring tools. The cellphone ban, passed as SB 78, prohibits students from using personal devices like phones, laptops, and smartwatches during the full school day, with exceptions for school-issued devices. SB 76, a wide-ranging immigration bill, will require local governments like school districts to cooperate with immigration enforcement.

  • The social media and cellphone bills were passed in the final days of the 2026 legislative session.
  • The new laws will go into effect at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

The players

Katie Jenner

Indiana Secretary of Education, who said social media use affects teens' mental health and academic performance.

Mike Braun

Governor of Indiana, who must sign the education bills passed by the legislature to enact them into law.

Indiana General Assembly

The state legislature that passed the education bills, including a Republican supermajority.

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What they’re saying

“We know the battle we're up against and to be very clear, when it means standing up for something that is right and protecting our kids, I'll battle all day.”

— Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education (Chalkbeat)

What’s next

Governor Mike Braun must sign the education bills passed by the legislature for them to become law. The new restrictions on social media and cellphones will go into effect at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

The takeaway

These new laws reflect growing concerns about the impact of technology on students, but they also raise questions about balancing student privacy, safety, and academic success. As schools implement the new restrictions, there may be legal challenges and debates about the appropriate role of technology in education.