As school districts across Wisconsin reassess the role of cell phones in the learning environment, New Glarus is reinforcing a stance that mirrors growing concerns over distraction, learning loss and disruption in classrooms.
In the New Glarus School District, students’ cell phones “are stored during class time, unless the teacher gives permission for students to use their phones for some purpose,” District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Thayer explains. “During lunch, students at the middle and high school levels can use their phones. In regard to violations of the cell phone policy, it begins with the teacher reminding the student of the rules and if the student doesn’t obey, then we follow the same discipline steps as any other infraction of school rules.” Dr. Thayer adds that while she “doesn’t foresee any changes to our cell phone restrictions, but if issues arise, either to tighten or loosen the restrictions, we will revisit our current practices,” she said.
New Glarus is hardly alone in this approach. A 2024–2025 survey of more than 300 Wisconsin public school districts and independent charter schools reveals that roughly 70 percent limit student cell phone use to common areas—like halls or cafeterias—while 20 percent institute full bans. Only about 10 percent have no restrictions, as reported by Wisconsin Public Radio.
Smaller districts, particularly some urban charter schools, tend to favor the strictest rules; indeed. According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, Milwaukee Public Schools reportedly bans phone use entirely on school premises during the day.
Additionally, some individual districts have taken bold steps toward comprehensive restrictions. Wauwatosa School District, for example, will prohibit students from carrying phones, smartwatches, and similar devices during the school day starting in the 2025–2026 school year. The board passed the policy unanimously, citing benefits for academic focus and student development, according to WISN-TV.
On the state legislative front, a Republican-sponsored bill (Assembly Bill 2) passed the Assembly in February 2025 and would require all public school boards to enact policies banning cell phones, tablets, and similar devices during instructional time. There are exceptions for emergencies, health needs, or when teachers approve such use for educational purposes. A broader public policy analysis confirms this shift, showing that although most Wisconsin districts already restrict usage, lawmakers are pushing for a uniform statewide standard.
Nationally, the issue resonates beyond Wisconsin: a Pew Research survey shows that 90 percent of educators favor banning phones during instructional time, with 75 percent supporting restrictions for the entire school day.
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