Wisconsin became the 36th state to ban student cell phone use during class, following a bipartisan bill signed by Gov. Tony Evers. Citing concerns about distraction, bullying, and hindered development, Evers, despite preferring local control, joined a rapid trend started by Florida in 2023. The new law, effective July 1, mandates public schools prohibit phones during instructional time, with exceptions for emergencies, health, IEPs, or teacher-approved educational use. This reflects a growing consensus on phones’ negative impact on students, though some research conflicts. Most Wisconsin districts already had similar policies.