Away For The Day | Latest News - Governor Signs School Cell Phone Ban

Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill Friday that will limit cell phones in schools, making Wisconsin the 36th state in the nation to do so...

A Wisconsin Policy Forum report from May found that most school districts already restrict student cellphone usage to common areas, though policies vary widely across the state.

Under the new law, 2025 Wisconsin Act 42, school districts will have until July 2026 to implement a policy that bans cellphones during instructional times. The policy will need to include exceptions for emergencies, for educational purposes and cases involving student health care, individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans (learning environment accommodations).

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Indiana has a relatively new law that bans cellphones in instructional settings, and schools are already seeing an impact

October 26, 2025

According to the researchers, student scores in the school district notably increased by "about 2-3 percentiles" in the second year of ban compared to year before the ban

October 9, 2025

According to the researchers, student scores in the school district notably increased by "about 2-3 percentiles" in the second year of ban compared to year before the ban

October 21, 2025

Alabama schools are experiencing a significant change this year as the Focus Act, a new law banning cellphones in classrooms, takes effect, aiming to improve focus and reduce distractions in schools across the state.

October 17, 2025

Middletown schools actually implemented a cellphone-free environment in 2022 and reaffirmed it last year, saying the policy had "significantly enhanced classroom learning experiences across our district.

August 11, 2025

As the first day of school approaches, Jefferson County Public Schools is gearing up for a complete cellphone ban districtwide.

July 25, 2025

A big change is coming to New York City public schools beginning this September, aimed at eliminating distractions in the classroom.

July 24, 2025

Oelke said that she had previously worked at a school with a zero-tolerance cell phone policy. “It was absolutely one of the best teaching years that I have had in over a decade,” Oelke said.

July 22, 2025

Officials with the Phoenix Elementary School District said they follow "away for the day" guidelines, where students have to turn their phones off once they get to campus.

April 14, 2025

Anchor Bay schools are going cellphone-free this fall. The district is planning to roll out a new “Away-for-the-Day” device policy at the start of the 2025-26 school year.

April 28, 2025

Schools that have adopted “away for the day” policies, including those in Colorado, Ohio, Portland and elsewhere, say that the lunchroom is loud again.

June 18, 2025

Anchor Bay Schools calls it the “Away-for-the-Day” device policy, and some parents have told Local 4 that they have safety concerns about it.

May 1, 2025

'Away for the day' cellphone rule to remain in place in Harrison County (West Virginia) schools

July 10, 2025

Every school district in Tennessee will have some form of a cellphone ban once school starts in a few weeks due to a new state law.

July 15, 2025

Ohio private schools don't have to follow the new student cell phone ban. Some are anyway

July 15, 2025

Under the new policy, Scotia-Glenville middle and high school students will be required to keep their phones in their lockers from the start to the end of the school day. The district has decided against using phone pouches.

July 16, 2025

While a new policy has not yet been set, Friendswood ISD officials are inching closer toward an “away for the day” cellphone policy for the 2025-26 school year

March 23, 2025

More states move to ban cellphones in school as Georgia is latest to act

March 25, 2025

Governor Signs School Cell Phone Ban

A phone-free McMurray: Lessons one year in | Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

A phone-free McMurray: Lessons one year in | Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Belle Vernon board debates districtwide "away for the day" cell‑phone policy for K‑12

Indiana has a relatively new law that bans cellphones in instructional settings, and schools are already seeing an impact

Many area schools already have cell phone policies as new bill waits to be signed

Catholic schools reevaluate cellphone policies in light of statewide ban

Pa. Senate explores restricting cell phones in K-12 classrooms

According to the researchers, student scores in the school district notably increased by "about 2-3 percentiles" in the second year of ban compared to year before the ban

According to the researchers, student scores in the school district notably increased by "about 2-3 percentiles" in the second year of ban compared to year before the ban

Alabama schools are experiencing a significant change this year as the Focus Act, a new law banning cellphones in classrooms, takes effect, aiming to improve focus and reduce distractions in schools across the state.

Vermont school district says cellphone bans are showing positive results

Central Texas high school seniors sound off on cell phone ban: ‘There’s a lot more conversation in class’

This Houston boys' school just took a radical step against student cell phones

Hampden Academy is the first school in the Bangor region to ban students from using devices during the school day.

Switzerland’s top principal says no social media until after 18

Cell Phone Bans in a National Sample of US Public School Principals

New Jersey students could soon face a ‘bell-to-bell’ cell phone ban in schools

Kentucky High Schools Banned Cell Phones, Students Started Checking Out Books

Newton school district data shows cellphone ban policy is being enforced

Cellphone ban means less drama, more focus for some North Dakota students

Cellphones made students into zombies. Missouri’s ban is already working

This school banned cellphones six years ago. Teachers — and many kids — couldn’t be happier.

New Jersey school makes hilarious video about their new phone ban

Long Beach USD approves new student cellphone policy

From burner phones to decks of cards: NYC teens are adjusting to the smartphone ban

Shawnee Mission Schools review cell phone policy

New Haven schools embrace phone-free learning with Yondr pouches districtwide

Two Weeks Into Cellphone Ban At Evanston High School: 'Kids Aren't Phone Zombies’

How Oklahoma's cell phone ban in schools almost didn't happen

How is Alabama’s school cellphone ban going? Teachers call it ‘wonderful

South Korea bans phones in school classrooms nationwide

Georgia will require all public elementary and middle schools to ban cellphone use during school hours by next fall.

Massachusetts Senate advances cell phone ban for schools

Missouri districts begin new school year with state-mandated cell-phone ban

Was It That Easy?’ Teachers Weigh In On the New Cell Phone Bans in Schools

Schools are banning students from using cell phones. But where will they put them?

‘A great start:’ Norman Public Schools student, staff reflect on phone ban’s first week

Teacher rejoices over impact of school cellphone bans

Oklahoma welcomes students, but not their cellphones, back to school

Middletown schools actually implemented a cellphone-free environment in 2022 and reaffirmed it last year, saying the policy had "significantly enhanced classroom learning experiences across our district.

Cell phones are banned in Texas schools. Here's how DFW districts are enforcing that.

Twenty-two states enacted K-12 cellphone bans so far in 2025

How much is your NYC school getting for state’s new cellphone ban?

New Florida law targets cellphone use in schools

Tennessee enacts statewide classroom cell phone ban

Caught with a cellphone in school? Here are the consequences at one major Alabama system

Mass. Senate passes school cell phone ban

Topeka Public Schools to ban phones in classrooms this school year

Amarillo phone ban helped end vaping, fights

As the first day of school approaches, Jefferson County Public Schools is gearing up for a complete cellphone ban districtwide.

A big change is coming to New York City public schools beginning this September, aimed at eliminating distractions in the classroom.

Oelke said that she had previously worked at a school with a zero-tolerance cell phone policy. “It was absolutely one of the best teaching years that I have had in over a decade,” Oelke said.

Officials with the Phoenix Elementary School District said they follow "away for the day" guidelines, where students have to turn their phones off once they get to campus.

Anchor Bay schools are going cellphone-free this fall. The district is planning to roll out a new “Away-for-the-Day” device policy at the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Schools that have adopted “away for the day” policies, including those in Colorado, Ohio, Portland and elsewhere, say that the lunchroom is loud again.

Cellphones, watches, earbuds restricted in Alabama schools this fall: What you need to know

Wenatchee Schools to Enforce Cell Phone-Free Policy Starting Fall 2025

Last year, Poughkeepsie City School District implemented an ‘away for the day’ policy at the middle and high school.

The new “away for the day” policy was approved by the district’s governing board Tuesday night.

Anchor Bay Schools calls it the “Away-for-the-Day” device policy, and some parents have told Local 4 that they have safety concerns about it.

'Away for the day' cellphone rule to remain in place in Harrison County (West Virginia) schools

Every school district in Tennessee will have some form of a cellphone ban once school starts in a few weeks due to a new state law.

Ohio private schools don't have to follow the new student cell phone ban. Some are anyway

Under the new policy, Scotia-Glenville middle and high school students will be required to keep their phones in their lockers from the start to the end of the school day. The district has decided against using phone pouches.

Texas implements statewide ban on cell phones and smartwatches in schools to curb distractions

Missouri student cell phone ban signed into law

Ohio school districts prepare to implement new budget’s ban on cell phone use by students

A new school year will bring cell phone bans, new classes, and new education costs

Massachusetts one step closer to banning cellphones in schools

Cellphones banned in NC schools? What to know about new legislation

Cell, no! After Two Years of Debate, Oklahoma Schools Get Months to Ban Phones

Smartphone bans in Dutch schools have improved learning, study finds

Vermont, Ohio, North Carolina, and Oregon have all enacted statewide bans on cellphone use in K-12 schools since June 27

Gov. Kotek issues executive order banning cellphones during school hours

Ridgefield Parents Push For Bell-to-Bell Cellphone Ban At Schools Amid Growing Statewide Support | Ridgefield, CT Patch

Cellphone Policy Catching on with Students, Parents - Seattle Public Schools

Gilbert Public Schools bans cellphone use for K-8 students

Is LAUSD's cellphone ban working? Here's what we know after one semester

Conroe ISD "unanimously approved what it's calling the “away for the day” policy"