Technology

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. 

"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 

The policy applies to personal wireless communication devices, including: 

• Cell phones 
• Smart watches 
• Smart (Meta) glasses 
• Tablets 
• Personal laptops (unless approved under district BYOD guidelines) 
• 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 

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 exceptions should work directly with their child's school to discuss appropriate procedures. 

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. 

No. Because smartwatches can send messages, receive notifications, and access the internet, they are subject to the same restrictions as cell phones. 

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.  

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. 

No. Students will be required to keep personal wireless communication devices stored and inaccessible throughout the school day, including during lunch periods. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian during the school day, they may do so via email (9th-12th grade) or through the school's main office. 

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. 

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. 

As part of the district's ongoing efforts to support focused learning environments, YouTube access will be adjusted beginning in the 2026-27 school year. 

• For students in grades K-8, YouTube videos will only be accessible through teacher-provided links in Canvas or other approved instructional platforms. 
• Students in grades 9-12 will continue to have access to YouTube; however, they will only be able to view content categorized as educational or assigned by a teacher. 

The district regularly reviews student technology use to ensure digital tools support learning. Limiting access to non-instructional content helps students stay focused, minimizes distractions and creates a more productive learning environment.  

The student’s device may be confiscated by 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. 

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. 

Students bring personal devices to school at their own risk. HSE Schools is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices. 

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