Gov. Evers signs bill banning cellphone use in schools

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has signed a bipartisan bill that would ban cellphone use in schools.

The bill, signed into law on Friday, requires public school boards to adopt policies that generally prohibit students from using cellphones during school.

Certain exemptions can be made, such as using school-issued devices,  an emergency, students’ healthcare needs, or an individualized education plan.

The bill states that the school boards must adopt a policy by July 1, 2026.

Evers’ full statement on the bill: 

“It has always been my belief that decisions like this should be made at the local level by local school districts and that we should trust local school boards to work with students, parents and families, educators, staff, and administrators to make decisions that make sense for students in their community. That continues to be my position. Nevertheless, my promise to the people of Wisconsin is to always do what’s best for our kids, and that obligation weighs heavily on me in considering this bill, as it does every bill affecting kids that reaches my desk.

“In 2025 the Year of the Kid, I am deeply concerned about the impacts cell phone and social media use are having on our kids and their mental health, school outcomes, and how our kids engage and interact with each other and the world around us. Our kids are struggling today, perhaps now more than ever. It’s really tough to be a kid these days, and we know that cellphones can be a major distraction from learning, a source of bullying, and a barrier to our kids’ important work of just being a kid.

“Innovative technology is an important part of our daily lives in the 21st Century, and it is exceedingly important our schools are preparing our kids for a 21st-century world, economy, and future. But as technology continues to evolve and expand into our schools, we must evolve with it, and that includes taking pragmatic steps to keep our kids safe and protect them from the harmful impacts of new and emerging technology.

“While I wish the Legislature had taken a different approach with this legislation, I will never stop fighting for Wisconsin’s kids and working to do what’s best for them, which is why I am signing this bill into law today.”