Gov. Evers signs bill banning cell phone use in schools

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signed into law a bill aimed at banning cell phone use in schools. 

Under the new law signed last Friday, public school boards have until July 2026 to adopt a policy banning cell phones in class. 

It’s a popular issue across the partisan divide. A Marquette Law School poll in June showed overwhelming support for curbing phones in schools. 89 percent of respondents said they shouldn’t be used during class. 72 percent of Wisconsin voters supported banning cell phones throughout the school day, including lunch and between classes. 

A national survey from the Pew Research Center in June found that 74 percent of adults nationwide favored banning phones in middle and high school classrooms. Research from the Wisconsin Policy Forum shows that most schools already restrict cell phone use in some way.

Of the 309 public school districts who have responded to a state survey, about 70 percent of the districts indicated they only allow cell phones in common areas.  About 20 percent fully banned phones, and just about 10 percent had no rules on phones. 

The law comes as other research shows banning phones in schools could help mental health.

The AP reports that at least 35 other states have adopted measures restricting the use of phones in schools in just the last two years.

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