Overview
- Gov. Tony Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Act 42, making the state the 36th to restrict student cellphone use in schools.
- Public school boards must adopt policies that generally prohibit student use of wireless devices during instructional time by July 1, 2026.
- Exceptions allow use during emergencies, for health needs, as provided in a student’s IEP, or for teacher‑authorized educational purposes, and school‑issued devices are exempt.
- Evers voiced preference for local control but cited concerns over distraction, bullying and youth mental health in approving the bipartisan measure, which some Democrats criticized as a lower priority than gun violence.
- Most Wisconsin districts already limited phones in class, and the move aligns the state with a rapid national push that saw new restrictions take effect this school year in 17 states and the District of Columbia.