Know Your Legal Rights is a bi-monthly column distributed by the State Bar of Wisconsin. It is sponsored by the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Lawyer Referral Service (LRS), which connects Wisconsin residents with lawyers throughout the state. To find an attorney in your area, visit wislaw.org.
By Jay Jerde
Starting July 1, 2026, every Wisconsin public school district must limit student use of personal cellphones and other wireless devices during instructional time.
If you are a parent, this does not mean phones are banned statewide. It does mean your child’s school must have a policy that restricts use in class, with certain required exceptions.
Here is what to know:
Devices Covered
The law applies to personal wireless communication devices, including cellphones, tablets, laptops and gaming devices. School-issued devices are not affected.
Districts must prohibit students from using personal devices during instructional time unless an exception applies.
Required Exceptions
School policies must allow device use:
• During an emergency or perceived threat
• To manage a student’s health care needs
• To comply with an individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan
• When a teacher authorizes use for educational purposes
Districts may impose penalties for violations, including temporarily confiscating a device.
Why Schools Are Limiting Phones
Supporters of the law say smartphones can distract students from learning and contribute to social media pressures that affect mental health.
According to a recent survey by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, about 90% of districts already had some type of cellphone restriction in place. Policies vary widely. Some schools have full-day bans. Others limit use to common areas or noninstructional time.
The new law creates a statewide baseline while allowing districts to adopt stricter rules if they choose.
What This Means for Families
Policies may look different depending on where you live. Local school boards still have broad authority to adopt rules that reflect community priorities, as long as they comply with state law.
If your child relies on a device for medical reasons or under an IEP or Section 504 plan, the law protects those accommodations.
If you have concerns about how a policy is applied, start with school administrators. You may also attend a school board meeting or review district policies online.
The Bottom Line
Wisconsin’s new requirement focuses on limiting cellphone use during instructional time, not eliminating devices entirely. Parents should review their district’s updated policy before the next school year and talk with their children about expectations.
Attorney Jay Jerde is a legal writer for the State Bar of Wisconsin, the professional association for Wisconsin attorneys. Know Your Legal Rightsis sponsored by the State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service, which helps connect the public with appropriate legal counsel. Learn more at wislaw.org.
