INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (WOWO) Indiana students will soon face new restrictions on personal electronic devices during the school day as a statewide “Bell-to-Bell” ban takes effect July 1. The law expands existing classroom cellphone restrictions and requires schools to limit student access to persona l devices throughout the entire school day. The Lead Off Indiana’s new Bell-to-Bell cellphone ban takes effect July 1 for public schools and charter schools. The law prohibits student use of personal devices throughout the school day, including lunch and passing periods. School districts are updating policies and preparing enforcement plans ahead of the upcoming academic year. New law expands existing restrictions Gov. Mike Braun signed Senate Enrolled Act 78 into law last month, strengthening Indiana’s existing restrictions on student cellphone use. The legislation requires public school corporations and charter schools to adopt policies limiting the use of personal communication devices during the entire school day. The restrictions apply not only to cell phones, but also to smart watches and other personal electronic devices. Students are expected to experience the impact of the new requirements when schools begin classes for the 2026-27 academic year. Law targets distractions and student focus Supporters of the legislation say the expanded restrictions are intended to reduce distractions and improve student engagement in the classroom. Before the bill’s passage, State Rep. Jake Teshka said educators expressed concerns about competing with social media, text messages, and other digital notifications for students’ attention. “Every notification that comes through is a cognitive interruption,” Teshka said. “Even when a student doesn’t respond, it takes minutes to refocus. Multiply that by a day, a week, or an entire school year, and it really adds up.” State Rep. Vernon Smith also voiced support for the legislation during House debate. “I rise to support this bill,” Smith said. “I am convinced, as I have been over a number of years, that this was something we need to do and that it is going to have a positive effect on academic achievement on the part of our students.” Schools preparing enforcement policies School districts across Indiana are now updating student handbooks and communicating expectations to families before the start of the new school year. Officials with the School City of Mishawaka said the new law provides additional authority for schools to address device-related distractions. “I feel like it gives us some backing to do what we need to do. Because again, with kids with phones, they’re very distracting whether kids are texting each other or they’re getting messages from parents about different things,” said Chad Brugh, principal of Mishawaka High School. School administrators are also outlining disciplinary procedures and storage requirements that may vary by district. District leaders encourage families to prepare Education leaders are encouraging parents and students to familiarize themselves with updated policies before classes resume. Theodore Stevens, superintendent of the School City of Mishawaka, said school officials hope the policy will contribute to improved educational outcomes. “I think if folks go into this with an open mind, they’ll see that it will be successful and hopefully will give us the improved student outcomes that the law is looking to achieve,” Stevens said. What families should know Under the new law, schools will be required to limit student use of: Cell phones Smart watches Personal communication devices Other personal electronic devices covered by district policies The restrictions apply during the entire school day, including: Classroom instruction Lunch periods Passing periods between classes Other portions of the regular school day Individual districts may establish specific enforcement procedures and exceptions as allowed under state law. Next steps before implementation School corporations and charter schools will continue updating local policies throughout the summer ahead of the law’s July 1 effective date. Families can expect additional guidance from their local districts before students return to classrooms in August. The Takeaway Indiana’s new Bell-to-Bell device law expands existing cellphone restrictions by prohibiting personal electronic device use throughout the entire school day. Supporters say the measure is designed to reduce distractions, improve focus, and enhance academic performance. School districts are finalizing enforcement policies and informing families before the law takes effect on July 1 and students return for the new academic year. The post Indiana’s New Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Ban Takes Effect July 1 appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less