Indiana Enacts Statewide School Phone Restriction: Senate Bill 185 Prohibits Wireless Devices During Instructional Time

In Indiana, statewide legislation enacted under Senate Bill 185 (Senate Enrolled Act 185 / Public Law 24), signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb, has established a binding prohibition restricting wireless communication devices across all public school corporations and charter schools. Authored by Senator Jeff Raatz and codified directly into Indiana Code (IC 20-26-5-40.7), the law mandates that every public school governing body adopt and enforce a comprehensive written policy barring student use of wireless communication devices during instructional time.

Under the statutory definition, wireless communication devices encompass cellular phones, tablet computers, laptops, and portable gaming systems capable of voice, text, or data communication. The restriction applies strictly throughout all instructional periods when academic teaching and classroom learning occur. While individual school districts retain discretion regarding physical storage solutions—such as requiring devices to remain powered off inside backpacks or placed in designated classroom storage pockets—the statutory requirement mandates that personal screens remain inactive and completely out of sight while class is in session.

The statute outlines narrow, documented exemptions to ensure student well-being and academic flexibility without undermining classroom focus. Exceptions are authorized solely when an instructor explicitly permits device access for validated instructional purposes, in the event of an emergency threatening campus health or safety, for students requiring healthcare monitoring under medical documentation (such as continuous blood glucose monitoring for diabetes), or pursuant to accommodations codified in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan. Unauthorized use outside these boundaries triggers progressive district disciplinary action.

For individuals seeking to prevent smartphone notifications from disrupting study routines or deep focus sessions, Limitra App Block allows users to establish scheduled restriction windows, automatically preventing access to chosen applications during designated focus hours.