FORT WAYNE, IND. (WOWO) Indiana lawmakers are considering a proposal that would significantly expand the state’s restrictions on cellphone use in K-12 schools. The measure, Senate Bill 78, was presented to the Senate Education Committee during an hourlong hearing focused largely on public input. T he bill would require students to keep wireless communication devices inaccessible for the entire school day according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Under the proposal, districts must adopt one of two enforcement models: a “no-device policy,” which prohibits students from bringing phones to school, or a “secure-storage policy,” which requires students to store phones in locked pouches or other secure methods until dismissal. The proposal builds on Indiana’s 2024 law that banned phone use during instructional time but did not restrict use during lunch, passing periods or other non-instructional segments of the school day. Lawmakers said inconsistent interpretations of the earlier law prompted the need for a broader approach. Sen. Jeff Raatz, who authored the bill, said the intent is to reduce distraction and improve learning outcomes. He noted that enforcing the existing limits has been difficult for teachers. “Increasing success in educational outcomes is what we’re really after,” he said during the hearing. The bill expands the definition of “wireless communication device” to include smartwatches and other Internet-connected wearables. Exemptions are included for students with disabilities, documented medical conditions, emergencies and translation needs for multilingual learners. Public testimony reflected growing national interest in stricter school device policies. Supporters pointed to research cited by federal education officials showing reduced distraction and improved peer engagement when student phones are inaccessible. Advocacy groups shared survey data indicating broad support for full-day restrictions, with a majority of respondents favoring “away for the day” policies. Districts already using secure-storage systems testified about operational models such as locked pouches that students open at the end of the day. A fiscal analysis indicated minimal administrative costs for policy updates, though schools providing storage devices could face additional expenses. Some committee questions focused on enforcement logistics and medical exemptions. Lawmakers said districts would retain flexibility to manage processes locally. Amendments are expected to expand which licensed medical professionals may authorize exemptions. If advanced by the committee in early January, the bill would move to the full chamber for consideration, alongside a similar measure filed in the House for the upcoming session. The post Indiana Weighs Full-Day School Cellphone Ban appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less