Wisconsin Assembly Passes Bill that Would Ban Cell Phones in the Classroom

Friday, February 21st, 2025 -- 10:01 AM

(Rich Kremer, Wisconsin Public Radio) Students at public schools across Wisconsin would be banned from using cell phones in the classroom during instructional time under a Republican bill passed in the state Assembly Wednesday.

According to Rich Kremer with Wisconsin Public Radio, it’s one of a series of GOP education bills that also focus on state test score standards, cursive writing and required civics education.

Republicans in the Assembly passed legislation that would require public school boards to enact policies prohibiting students from using cell phones, tablets and laptops during instructional time.

The bill has exceptions that allow students to use phones for emergencies and threats, to manage their health care and for educational purposes authorized by a teacher.

Ahead of the Assembly’s vote, Rep. Joel Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay, claimed students’ mental health has declined since 2010 when cell phones and social media became more prevalent. He said while around 90 percent of Wisconsin school boards already have cell phone policies, “the problem is really enforcement.”

“So, what we really need here is a unified approach,” Kitchens said. “We are saying to the school districts that we’re standing with you on this, because everyone agrees this is a problem.”

Kitchens said cell phone bans for students are a bipartisan issue. Democratic leaders have backed the idea this year in states like New York and Illinois, and laws are already on the books in several states throughout the country.

“So, it’s time for Wisconsin to join the growing number of states that ban cell phones in the classroom and teach kids to use technology responsibly,” Kitchens said.

On the Assembly floor, Democrats criticized the bill, calling it an unfunded mandate for public schools. State Rep. Ryan Clancy, D-Milwaukee, said it’s a one-size-fits all approach that “doesn’t make sense.”

“If we were serious about addressing cell phones in schools, we would do so by listening to parents, teachers, schools and districts and the students themselves, and providing supports and funding rather than a mandate,” Clancy said.

The bill passed by a vote of 53-45, with Rep. Rob Swearingen, R-Rhinelander, joining all Democrats in opposition.

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