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The Brief
• Wisconsin legislators passed a bill requiring public school boards to ban wireless communication devices during class time
• Local Coulee Region schools like G-E-T and Aquinas already have phone bans in place and report improved student engagement
• The bill includes exceptions for emergencies or perceived threats, though some parents remain concerned about reaching their children
LA CROSSE (WKBT) — A bill banning cell phones in classrooms is heading to Governor Tony Evers’ desk after the Wisconsin legislature passed the measure this week.
The legislation requires public school boards to adopt a policy banning students from using wireless communication devices during class time by July 1, 2026.
Although the policy could be a big change for districts, a number of Coulee Region schools have already implemented a cell phone ban.
G-E-T High School started banning devices in classrooms last year after administrators noticed how distracted students had become.
“Students are not allowed to have cell phones, smart watches. Any technology in the classroom that would be distracting,” said Principal Jamie Oliver.
While students initially resisted the change, school officials say the transition happened quickly.
“It’s just part of their day. They walk in, they know it’s going into the caddy. They know exactly which slot is designated for them. And you know, haven’t really really had any issues,” Oliver said.
Under G-E-T’s policy, students can use their phones during passing periods and lunch, but must surrender them when entering classrooms. School officials say removing the temptation helps students focus.
“The option of you looking at your phone during class isn’t even there. So it kind of takes a little bit of that stress off of the student,” Oliver said.
In La Crosse, Aquinas High School requires students to leave their phones in lockers during instructional time. Parents report seeing benefits from the policy.
“During the instructional time, it absolutely helps them to be more engaged,” said Aquinas parent Steph Gauger.
She added that her daughter has admitted how much it helps.
“She’s told me that she actually likes it,” Gauger said.
However, not all parents support the bans. Some have expressed concern about being unable to reach their children during emergencies.
However, the new legislation includes exceptions for emergencies or perceived threats.
School boards must also allow exceptions when the device is used to manage student’s health, when used as part of an individualized education program, or when authorized by a teacher for educational purposes.
For parents worried about being able to contact their child during the school day, schools like G-E-T have established protocols.
“[If] they need to reach their child, they can call the office and we’ll get a note to that child immediately,” Oliver said.
Oliver added that he believes a statewide policy will benefit Wisconsin education overall.
“It’ll help those other school districts that maybe aren’t implementing rules. And also kind of creating this equality between every school district.”
The bill now awaits Governor Evers’ signature to become law. It passed the state Senate by a 29-4 vote on Tuesday, the 14th.
The state Assembly passed the measure earlier this year, despite all 45 Assembly Democrats voting against it.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
