Student Device Expectations: FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, South Madison Schools will implement new expectations for student use of personal electronic devices during the school day.
Under Indiana's recently passed "bell-to-bell" law (Senate Enrolled Act 78), students will be required to keep personal wireless communication devices powered off, stored away, and inaccessible throughout the instructional day.
To help answer common questions, we have created some Frequently Asked Questions about device expectations, communication procedures, exceptions, and other important details.
Why is SMCSC implementing this policy?
Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 78 requires all public schools to limit student use of personal wireless communication devices during the school day beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The goal is to reduce distractions, support student learning, improve engagement in the classroom, and promote positive social interaction throughout the school day.
What does "bell-to-bell" mean?
"Bell to bell" means students may not use personal wireless communication devices during the entire instructional day (from start bell to dismissal bell).
This includes:
- Classroom instruction
- Passing periods
- Lunch
- Study halls
What devices are included in this policy?
The policy applies to personal wireless communication devices, including:
- Cell phones
- Smart watches
- Tablets
- Personal laptops
- Gaming devices
- Digital cameras
- Earbuds and headphones connected to a personal device
- Any other device capable of sending, receiving, or accessing communication through cellular service, the internet, or wireless networks
District-issued devices used for instructional purposes are not affected by this policy.
Are there exceptions to the policy?
Exceptions may be made when use of a wireless communication device is:
- Required for a documented medical need
- Included in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or other educational plan
- Necessary to support a multilingual learner
Families of students with one of these approved medical exceptions should work directly with their child's school to discuss appropriate procedures.
Can students bring phones to school?
Students may bring personal devices to school, but they must remain powered off or silenced and stored according to school expectations throughout the school day.
Can students use smart watches?
Smart watches that can send messages, receive notifications, access the internet, or communicate with others are subject to the same restrictions as cell phones.
What about earbuds or headphones?
Personal earbuds and headphones connected to personal devices may not be used during the school day. Students may connect earbuds or headphones to school-issued electronic devices for instructional purposes if specifically authorized by a teacher or school staff member.
Where will students keep their devices?
Storage procedures may vary by grade level and school building. Additional details will be shared by each school before the start of the school year. Regardless of the storage method, devices must remain inaccessible to students during the instructional day.
Can students use phones during lunch?
No. Students will be required to keep personal wireless communication devices stored and inaccessible throughout the school day, including during lunch periods.
Can students use phones on the bus?
Yes. Students may use personal devices while riding the bus to and from school in accordance with school rules and expectations. However, device use must not interfere with the safe operation of the bus.
What about after-school activities and athletics?
Students may use personal devices before school and after the instructional day ends, in accordance with school rules and expectations. Additional expectations may apply during extracurricular activities, practices, performances, and athletic events.
How can parents contact their K-6 child during the school day?
Parents should contact the school's main office if they need to reach their child during the school day. School staff will ensure important messages are delivered to students.
How can parents and students in grades 7-12 communicate during the school day?
If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian during the school day, they may do so via their school-issued device using the Student Square App or through the school's main office.
What if there is an emergency?
In the event of a school emergency, families will continue to receive communication through the district's established emergency communication systems. Students may use personal devices during an emergency if permitted by school staff or as otherwise allowed by law.
Will students still have access to technology for learning?
Yes. Students will continue to use district-approved instructional technology and district-issued devices as part of classroom learning. The policy applies to personal wireless communication devices, not school-approved educational technology.
What happens if a student violates the policy?
The student’s device may be confiscated by the school administration and will be returned to the parent/guardian. A student may be disciplined, including suspended or expelled, for using a wireless electronic device in a manner that violates the policy.
Will schools be searching students for phones?
School administrators may conduct a search when there is reasonable suspicion that a student possesses a prohibited item or has violated school rules, as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Who is responsible if a phone is lost, damaged, or stolen while stored at school?
Students bring personal devices to school at their own risk. SMCSC is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices.
What can families do to help?
Parents and guardians play an important role in helping students adjust to this change. Families can support the transition by:
- Reviewing expectations with their child before school starts
- Encouraging students to keep devices put away during the school day
- Contacting the school office when communication is needed
- Partnering with school staff as the new law is implemented