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New state law bans use of phones and other media in the classroom

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 2:49 PM

By Joshua Nally

Students in Indiana will no longer be able to have cell phones with them in class starting next school year.

This decision comes after an Indiana state law that banned the use of personal communication devices during class went into effect on July 1st. According to the law, personal communication devices include cell phones, tablets, laptops, gaming devices and smart watches.

 

Indiana Lawmakers say that this law aims to remove unhelpful distractions from the classroom atmosphere, and allow kids to focus on their studies.

 

Exceptions to the new statewide ban include students with special needs, as well as any student who has a medical reason to have their phone with them at all times. An example of a valid exception would be a student with type 1 diabetes using their phone to monitor their blood pressure, or

 

Florida passed a similar law last year and Kentucky, Vermont, Tennessee and Kansas are considering doing the same. Supporters say the laws reduce distractions in the classroom, cut down on bullying through social media and encourage more in-person interaction.

 

South Vermillion Superintendent Dave Chapman says that “Kids will still be able to bring their cellphones to school… they’re just not going to be able to have them in class. And that’s the big thing that everyone needs to understand. We’re not banning cell phones from school”

 

All Indiana schools will be forced to add policies to their student handbooks to reflect the legislation. For more information, please contact your school corporation.

 

The new state laws exact language can be found below.

SECTION 1. IC 20-26-5-40.7 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2024] Sec. 40.7. 

(a) As used in this section, "instructional time" has the meaning set forth in IC 20-30-2-1. (b) As used in this section, "wireless communication device" means any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or more parties, including a: 

(1) cellular telephone; 

(2) tablet computer; 

(3) laptop computer; or 

(4) gaming device. 

(c) Each school corporation and charter school shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that: 

(1) except as provided in subdivisions (2) and (3) and subsection (d), prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time; 

(2) authorizes a teacher to allow a student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes during instructional time; and 

(3) permits a student to use a wireless communication device in the event of an emergency or to manage the student's SEA 185 2 health care. 

(d) The policy adopted and implemented under subsection (c) may not prohibit a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time if the use of the wireless communication device is included in the student's: 

(1) individualized education program; or 

(2) plan developed under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794. 

(e) Each school corporation and charter school shall publish on its website the wireless communication device policy established under subsection (c).

 

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