On July 1, 2026, Senate Enrollment Act 78 (SEA 78) was put into effect. The Indiana law restricts students from accessing personal devices, such as cellphones, smartwatches, headphones, and earbuds, for the entire school day. The law expands on a previous law passed in 2024 which prohibited the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time rather than the entire school day. This law adds Indiana to the list of 22 U.S. states who have made this change for bell-to-bell.
Many states adopting the law believe that the bell-to-bell phone policy will benefit students by allowing them to focus in school without interruptions caused by cell phones. Common impacts from cell phones such as cyberbullying, depression, and anxiety can be reduced with the new law in place. According to a study conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “…teenagers with 4 hours or more of daily screen time have experienced anxiety (27.1%) or depression symptoms (25.9%).” This study and similar research were common prompters towards the law.
Implementing any new law can cause disputes. Indiana faced criticism after the law was passed due to concerns of communication and safety. Families of students with medical needs also addressed worries for the new law; SEA 78 however, includes plans for these students, providing exceptions for those with 504 plans, an IEP, or other medical attention.
With over 2 months in effect, the law is starting to see results. I interviewed a few students at Herron to see their ideas on the law. Most students agree that they preferred the 2024 law, which gave students more flexibility: “We should be able to use them at lunch or during passing periods,” Freshman Noah Nyierendah said. Harlow Stasila, another freshman, adds: “I believe this country isn’t safe enough to ban phones,” Stasila and other students agree that in a time of emergency, they want to be able to access their phones as quickly as possible. The frustration from students is understandable, considering how much students depend on their phones for communication and connection. However, both Stasila and Nyierendah agree that the ban is put in place to support students and better their futures. “I understand the want for students to be giving their full attention in class, and have as few distractions as possible,” says Stasila.
SEA 78 is still in its early stages of development, and results are still to come. Parents also have mixed feelings about the cell phone ban. While many support the focus away from screens during the day, when last-minute changes occur to a pick-up schedule, it can make communication challenging. Tracey Wilkinson, a parent of a freshman, said, “It can be tempting to text my daughter in the afternoon to tell her something I think is important–but it turns out that waiting until 4pm for that message to arrive is usually just fine.”
This new law is hoping to make a greater change for youth education. By limiting distractions and screen time during the school day, lawmakers are hoping for positive results to help in the near future. In the meantime, students, teachers, and parents are still getting used to the adjustment.
https://www.indianasenaterepublicans.com/helping-students-focus-in-the-classroom
https://www.bgr.com/2115371/states-banned-phones-in-school-law/
