(The Lion) — Wisconsin public schools have until July to develop policies banning cellphones in classrooms under a law signed Oct. 31 by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
Although Evers has expressed concerns about cellphones and their impact on student mental health and outcomes, he wished “the Legislature would have taken a different approach with the legislation,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
“It has always been my belief that decisions like this should be made at the local level by local school districts and that we should trust local school boards to work with students, parents and families, educators, staff, and administrators to make decisions that make sense for students in their community,” he said in a statement.
“That continues to be my position. Nevertheless, my promise to the people of Wisconsin is to always do what’s best for our kids, and that obligation weighs heavily on me in considering this bill, as it does every bill affecting kids that reaches my desk.”
Evers, a former state Superintendent of Public Instruction and educator, noted “our kids are struggling today, perhaps now more than ever.”
“We know that cellphones can be a major distraction from learning, a source of bullying, and a barrier to our kids’ important work of just being a kid,” he said.
‘Everyone agrees this is a problem’
The legislation passed the state Senate 29-4 on Oct. 14 and garnered bipartisan support, according to the Journal Sentinel.
“The vast majority of public school districts – 90% – already report having a policy similar to what is prescribed in the bill, according to a survey conducted by the state Department of Public Instruction.”
However, some educational officials took issue with the bill, arguing it was written too broadly.
“Limiting cell phones, gaming devices etc. to maintain an effective learning environment is essential in the classroom,” wrote Greg Kabara, Nicolet Union High School District superintendent, to lawmakers.
“While I understand the overall intent of the bill it seems too broad and less effective than allowing schools local control in regards to wireless devices during the school day.”
Sen. Melissa Ratcliff, D-Cottage Grove, also noted during a state Senate debate that cellphones helped her daughter alert her to a nearby school shooting.
In response, the bill’s author, Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevera, R-Appleton, argued the legislation allowed for exceptions and “would keep communication lines from being clogged during a threat at the school,” the Journal Sentinel wrote.
“We are saying to the school districts that we’re standing with you on this,” said Rep. Joel Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay, earlier this year ahead of an Assembly vote, “because everyone agrees this is a problem.”
As previously reported by The Lion, school cellphone bans have become increasingly popular nationwide following Florida’s model regulations passed in 2023.
