New Cell Phone Ban Takes Effect For Wisconsin Students In 2026

Students and their parents should be aware of a new law that goes into effect this year in Wisconsin. It has to do with banning cell phone use during class time and forcing schools across Wisconsin to enact a policy.

The bill was signed into law by Governor Tony Evers in October, 2025. The law specifically bans cell phone use during class time for students. Wisconsin isn't the first state to ban cell phone use. 35 other states have banned phones for kids in school already.

The ban is for wireless communication devices during school, with the exception of school-issued electronic devices. The law requires schools to enact a wireless communication device policy by July 1, 2026.

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Most schools at the local level have their own wireless communication device policy already in place. This is "to support" the school's efforts to enact cell phone bans.

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The concern for students using their smartphones during school has to do with distraction, cyber-bullying, depression, and mental health.

Schools can still allow times for students to use their phones during the day. The law specifies that it can't be during class time. Some schools still allow the use of phones during lunchtime and in hallways between classes. Schools have a zero-tolerance policy for using cellphones in locker rooms or bathrooms.

Parents should talk to their students about cell phone use and whether they are aware of the school's policy. Brush up on the policy yourself, as your school likely already has one in place.

The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2026.