Indiana Schools Enforce Statewide Student Phone Ban

A 2026 state law now requires public school students to keep wireless communication devices stored and powered off during the day.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Secondary Education

Gouache-painted illustration of closed wooden classroom cubbies, representing the storage of student communication devices under Indiana state policy. — Indiana public schools are now operating under a statewide ban requiring students to power off and store personal electronic devices during class. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Since July 2026, Senate Enrolled Act 78 has prohibited Indiana students from using wireless communication devices throughout the school day. The legislation mandates that devices remain powered off and stored out of sight to minimize distractions and address concerns regarding academic performance.

Why it matters

The law aims to improve student mental health and academic focus by curbing the usage of personal technology in classrooms. State officials implemented the measure following broad recognition of the challenges that constant digital connectivity creates for educational environments.

Senate Enrolled Act 78 applies to all 23 public schools within the Monroe County Community School Corporation. The law permits exceptions for students with documented medical conditions, Individualized Education Programs, or 504 plans.

The players

Monroe County Community School Corporation

This is a public school district in Indiana that operates 23 K-12 institutions and has adjusted its storage policies to comply with state law.

National Center for Education Statistics

This federal entity collects and reports data on the condition of American education to assist policymakers in understanding school-related trends.

Bloomington High School South

This is a public secondary school in Indiana that has implemented specific daily hours for its wireless device prohibition.

The details

Under the new policy, students must keep personal devices including smartwatches, laptops, and gaming systems stored in locations designated by their principals. For example, Bloomington High School South has implemented the prohibition daily between 7:45 a.m. and 2:40 p.m.

Senate Enrolled Act 78 officially took effect in July 2026.
Bloomington High School South enforces the phone ban daily from 7:45 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Culture Shift

The statewide enforcement of Senate Enrolled Act 78 mirrors a growing trend across the country as districts move to reclaim classroom focus from pervasive digital distractions. This legislative shift reflects a broader societal push to mitigate the negative mental health impacts of constant social media engagement.

Students and parents must ensure all personal wireless devices are stored according to specific school building requirements before the start of the school day. Families with students requiring assistive technology due to medical needs or specialized education plans should verify that their exceptions are filed with the district.

The takeaway

Schools across the state are now operating under strict device storage policies to prioritize face-to-face engagement. Parents and students should review their specific building's storage protocols to ensure compliance during school hours.