At the beginning of the 2026-27 school year, a new phone policy will go into effect for Indiana schools.
Senate Bill 78, also known as the bell-to-bell law, requires schools to restrict students from using or possessing wireless communication devices during the school day. The law applies to public schools, charter schools, and school districts across the state.
The new law goes beyond smartphones. It also applies to other wireless communication devices, including smartwatches and gaming devices. Each school corporation and charter school must adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy.
Schools may enforce the law in different ways. Some possible options include requiring students to keep phones turned off, leave them in lockers, store them in backpacks, or place them in phone pouches during the school day.
Indiana already had a law restricting phone use during instructional time. The new bell-to-bell law expands those restrictions to the full school day, from the first bell until dismissal.
Lawmakers who support the law say it will help remove distractions, improve students’ academic focus, and address health concerns related to phone use.
Some exceptions will be allowed. Students may still use devices for medical reasons, accommodations, emergencies, or translation needs.
Multiple schools are still deciding how they will enforce the new law. Indiana has joined other states in strengthening restrictions on student phone use during the school day.
