Indiana’s new "bell-to-bell" ban on student cellphones in K-12 schools, which took effect July 1, has simplified enforcement for teachers and administrators across the state. The measure, enacted through Senate Enrolled Act 78, requires students to turn off and store personal devices, including cellphones, in their locker until the final bell, or risk confiscation. This statewide mandate has brought clearer rules and the backing of state law to policies that teachers previously found challenging to enforce.
Andrew Biller, student publications advisor at Anderson High School, noted that few teachers were willing to enforce the school’s prior "silent-and-away" policy, which allowed phone use outside the classroom, due to concerns that students would continue to break the rules. Now, Biller says the clear rules have helped "enforce consequences across the board" and encouraged regular classroom teachers to address phone use. He explained that a student sent to the dean for a cellphone infraction now faces a known consequence, which will "instill in them the importance of not having it out."
The law applies to both public and charter schools, allowing them to either ban devices entirely or require them to be powered off and inaccessible. Exceptions are made for emergencies, medical needs, and students with special accommodations outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans. The definition of "inaccessible" varies significantly among school districts.
Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) piloted its own bell-to-bell personal device ban two years ago, ahead of the state law. The district purchased magnetic-sealed pouches from Yondr and Rooz for students to secure their phones, smartwatches, and earbuds. Scott Murray, FWCS communications manager, stated that the school board decided to take action to support teachers, which reduced pressure on staff. The pouches proved effective, though they came at a cost of $420,000 for the first year and an additional $120,000 for replacement pouches. Murray emphasized the objective: "The main goal is: We have to change the learned behavior."
At LaVille Jr.-Sr. High School, south of South Bend, students must keep their phones in their locker throughout the school day. A first offense leads to confiscation until the end of the school day. Repeat offenses incur a $25 fine, with the funds contributing to attendance and behavioral awards. Superintendent Keith Burke reported no offenses this school year, observing that families have largely instructed their children not to expect their phones back if confiscated. Burke affirmed, "Our goal is that we never have to give a fine."
Center Grove High School, lacking enough lockers for every student, requires phones to be kept off and stored in backpacks. Melissa Warner, an English and journalism teacher at Center Grove, noted that 17 phones were confiscated in the first three days after the law took effect. Since then, she has observed fewer phones out, indicating students are either better at keeping them stored or hidden. Warner, who previously used a hanging pocket for phone storage in her classroom, said her students now appear more engaged and less distracted by social media. She highlighted the state law as "one more support system" for enforcing phone policies.
While the new law has reduced classroom distractions, it has also introduced challenges, particularly for instructional purposes. Melissa Warner found that the law’s inflexibility created problems for her journalism classes, where students routinely used their personal phones for recording interviews and taking high-resolution photographs. Senate Enrolled Act 78 permits exceptions for school-issued devices and certain student devices sanctioned by the school for instructional use, but specifically excludes cellphones and smartwatches. By July 1, 2028, only school-issued devices will be permitted for such purposes. Warner has purchased some digital recorders but does not have enough for her entire newsroom staff, noting the program is backtracking.
Principal Cleve Million of Carroll High School identified similar challenges in dual-credit and advanced placement classes. Students in these courses sometimes need to scan QR codes to access materials provided by university partners. Million noted that universities are now developing alternative access methods for students in states with bell-to-bell bans.
Another concern for Million revolves around the law's exceptions for students with documented medical conditions or IEP accommodations. While exceptions for devices like diabetic or heart rate monitors are justifiable, Million reported witnessing attempts by some parents to seek exceptions for "dubious reasons." He stated that the school has pushed back when justification for such an exception is lacking, concluding that without clear reasoning, a child may not need it.