Indiana schools keep student devices away during the school day

Each school corporation and charter school must adopt and follow a policy restricting student device use during the school day. The rules cover student wireless devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, gaming devices, and connected smartwatches. The policy must choose either to bar students from bringing devices to school or to require devices brought to school to be stored away, powered off, and out of students' reach all day. Before July 1, 2028, teacher-directed educational use may use a school-provided device or, if the school provides none, a school-approved device managed to restrict noninstructional content. After June 30, 2028, it must use a school-provided device. The policy must allow the exceptions described in the next point. The section takes effect July 1, 2026. Before July 1, 2028, some school-approved devices may be used for teacher-directed learning if the school provides no device; after June 30, 2028, that use must rely on a school-provided device.

The school policy must allow device use for certain education, health, emergency, and translation needs. These exceptions apply to students covered by the school device policy. Use must be included in the student's individualized education program or Section 504 plan, be needed for a documented medical condition under a licensed health care provider's order, or be authorized by the superintendent or designee at the appropriate time during an emergency. Translation must be needed to ensure access for multilingual learners; schools must prioritize school-managed devices or apps when available.

A student may possess and use a qualifying audio-only device for personal learning notes or assistance. The device must be designed mainly to capture spoken audio for the student's own note-taking or learning help. The device must be visible to school staff, available for inspection on request, and used consistently with laws on recording consent. It cannot capture, store, or send images or video. Schools may limit where and when the device is used, require advance notice, and set rules for recordings and consent. If a school's policy allows these devices, it must bar use of their recordings for discipline, evaluation, or supervision of a student or school employee.

Schools and their staff are immune from civil liability for good-faith actions to comply with the device policy. The protection covers school corporations, their schools, charter schools, and their personnel. This protection does not cover gross negligence or willful, wanton, or intentional misconduct. The civil-liability provision takes effect July 1, 2026.