Wisconsin school districts are tightening restrictions on pupils’ mobile phones after a new state law required public schools to prohibit their use during teaching time.
Racine Unified School District has introduced a policy requiring pupils in kindergarten through eighth grade to switch off their phones and store wireless devices from the start of the school day until dismissal.
For pupils in grades nine to 12, phones may be used only during lunch and between lessons. Any breach of the rules could lead to disciplinary action.
The measure follows the signing of Wisconsin Act 42 by Governor Tony Evers on 1 November 2025. The law requires school boards to adopt policies restricting wireless communication devices, including mobile phones, and gives districts until 1 July 2026 to put them in place.
It allows exceptions for emergencies, a perceived threat, healthcare needs, provisions in a pupil’s individualised education programme or use authorised by a teacher for educational purposes.
Racine Unified had already placed limits on phone use, but the district published its revised policy in response to the statewide requirement. The district says families should ensure their emergency contact details are up to date and contact schools rather than pupils directly during the day.
Some parents welcomed the change, arguing that children should be concentrating on lessons rather than carrying or using phones in school.
“They don’t go to school to be on their phone,” Racine Unified parent Donald Johnson said, adding that pupils should go to the principal’s or school office if they need help contacting home.
Other parents said they wanted their children to have access to a phone in case of an emergency and questioned how consistently teachers would be able to enforce the restrictions.
Racine Unified parent Everardo Davalos said his family had discussed the issue and agreed that it was better for children not to carry phones around during the school day.
