(INDIANAPOLIS) - An Indiana House committee heard testimony Wednesday on a bill that would prohibit students from using cell phones during the school day, reigniting debate over distractions, local control, and the impact of social media on children.
The proposal, Senate Bill 78, would require students to either leave their phones at home or store them in secure devices at school for the entire day. The measure was discussed by the Indiana House Education Committee, which is expected to vote on the bill next week.
Supporters told lawmakers the bill would help restore focus and reduce the mental health toll linked to constant phone use. Parents and educators testified that unrestricted access to phones interferes with learning and social development.
House Education Committee Chair Bob Behning said eliminating distractions would help students perform better academically and socially.
Not all lawmakers are convinced. Ed DeLaney said he supports limiting phone use during instruction but questioned whether a statewide mandate gives schools enough flexibility to set their own policies.
Education leaders also weighed in. Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents said it supports the bill but would like to see stronger restrictions on social media use in particular, citing research showing negative neurological effects tied to excessive scrolling.
Behning acknowledged lawmakers are exploring whether social media limits could be addressed in other legislation, though he said such changes are unlikely to be added to Senate Bill 78.
If approved by the committee, the bill would continue moving through the General Assembly for further debate.