INDIANAPOLIS (WLKI)- Indiana's new bell-to-bell cellphone law is giving teachers and school administrators stronger authority to keep student devices out of classrooms.
The law, Senate Enrolled Act 78, took effect July 1 and requires K-through-12 students to keep cellphones and other personal devices turned off and inaccessible throughout the school day.
Schools may require students to leave phones in lockers, keep them stored in backpacks or use other measures to prevent access during the day. The law allows exceptions for emergencies, medical needs and accommodations included in a student's Individualized Education Program or 504 plan.
Teachers say the statewide policy has helped reduce distractions and made consequences more consistent. At Anderson High School, student publications adviser Andrew Biller said teachers are more willing to enforce the rules because students can now be sent to an administrator when they refuse to comply.
Fort Wayne Community Schools began its own bell-to-bell device restriction two years ago. The district spent $420,000 to purchase magnetic phone pouches and later spent another $120,000 on replacement pouches.
While many educators support the change, some say the law limits classroom activities that previously relied on student phones. Journalism and photography teachers, for example, have raised concerns about recording interviews, taking high-quality photos and accessing materials through QR codes.