Madison, Wis.—Today, the Wisconsin State Senate passed Senate Bill 29, a measure that requires school boards across the state to adopt policies banning non-educational wireless devices, such as personal cell phones, in schools. State Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Fox Crossing), the bill’s author, released the following statement following its passage.
“Today, the legislature passed a bill that nearly 90% of Wisconsinites support: getting cell phones out of our classrooms so our kids can focus on learning,” said Sen. Cabral-Guevara. “There is a strong, bipartisan coalition of states that have taken similar steps to remove these distractions from our classrooms, and I am hopeful the Governor will sign this into law swiftly.”
According to recent polling from Marquette University, 72% of Wisconsinites support banning cell phones in schools entirely, and 89% support banning them during instructional time. Senate Bill 29 includes sensible exceptions to ensure student safety and educational flexibility. These exceptions allow for school-issued devices, use in the event of a perceived threat, medical necessity, or technology that a teacher determines is beneficial for learning purposes.
“States like California and Florida may not agree on much, but they have both agreed that personal cell phones and other non-educational technology are a major distraction that can lead to worse educational and behavioral outcomes,” added Sen. Cabral-Guevara. “This is a clear win for students, teachers, and parents. Let’s get this done here in Wisconsin.”
