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.