Indiana Students Must Store Wireless Devices During School

The new state law requires students to keep phones and smartwatches powered off and stored away throughout the school day.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of a single closed metal storage locker in a school hallway, representing a device-free learning policy. — Indiana schools are now enforcing a statewide ban on personal wireless communication devices, requiring students to store them away during the day. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Indiana schools are now enforcing a statewide ban on wireless communication devices during the school day, following the July 2026 implementation of Senate Enrolled Act 78. This policy requires students to keep items like cell phones and smartwatches powered off and stored out of sight throughout the day.

Why it matters

The law aims to improve student academic performance and mental health, addressing concerns that have led 72% of public-school leaders to link digital device usage with declines in student well-being. This shift mandates a significant change in daily family logistics for households with students in public schools.

The statewide ban applies to all Indiana public schools, including the 23 schools within the Monroe County Community School Corporation. Devices prohibited during the school day include tablets, laptops, wireless headphones, and gaming devices.

The players

Monroe County Community School Corporation

A public school district encompassing 23 K-12 schools that has updated its internal access policies to comply with state law.

National Center for Education Statistics

The primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the United States.

The details

Under the new mandate, students must keep all personal wireless devices powered off and stored completely out of sight. School principals are responsible for identifying specific storage locations that ensure devices remain inaccessible to students for the duration of the school day. Exceptions are legally provided for students who require devices for documented medical conditions, Individualized Education Programs, or 504 plans.

July 2026: Senate Enrolled Act 78 took effect across Indiana.
7:45 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.: Phone prohibition enforced daily at Bloomington High School South.

The Home Front

This state-level mandate marks a departure from local-control policies by establishing a uniform requirement for device storage across all public schools. It aligns with a national trend of state legislatures codifying restrictions on student mobile device access to mitigate classroom distractions.

Families should confirm whether their student qualifies for an exception under a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Program. Parents should also ensure that students are aware of the specific storage protocol at their local school to avoid potential conflicts with faculty.

The takeaway

The statewide prohibition on wireless devices during school hours is now a firm requirement for public school families in Indiana. Parents should coordinate with school administration if their child requires a device for documented health or learning needs under their active educational plan.