Many area schools already have cell phone policies as new bill waits to be signed

While the state could soon mandate it, many southwest Wisconsin school districts are already ahead of the curve on restricting student cellphone use. Heading to Gov. Tony Evers’ desk is a bill that would require public school boards to adopt policies by July 1, 2026, prohibiting, with some exceptions, pupils from using wireless communication devices during instructional time. Many southwest Wisconsin school districts already have policies in place. Shullsburg School District and Platteville High School prohibit cellphone use during instructional time. Students put their phones away in holders while entering each classroom and take them on their way out. Cuba City School District adopted a cell phone ban this academic year. However, unlike other districts, Cuba City students are responsible for leaving them in their lockers or cars.