Communications Daily is a service of Warren Communications News.

Wisconsin Governor Signs Ban on Cellphone Use in School

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) on Friday signed into law a statewide ban on mobile phone use in schools, though he also criticized the legislation.

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While such decisions are best left to local school districts, "I am deeply concerned about the impact cell phone and social media use are having on our kids and their mental health, school outcomes, and how our kids engage and interact with each other and the world around us," Evers said. "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."

However, Evers said, "I wish the Legislature would have taken a different approach with this legislation." He didn't elaborate.

AB-2, which was passed by the Assembly in February and the Senate earlier this month, sets a July 1, 2026, deadline for public school boards to adopt policies that generally prohibit students from using wireless communications devices during school.