Indiana Senate panel testimony favors total student phone ban

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A tougher crackdown on student cell phones in schools is being considered by Hoosier lawmakers, just one year after they approved a bill outlawing phones during class time.

On Dec. 9, the Senate Education and Career Development committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 78 that proposes a “bell to bell” ban on student phone use during the school day.

Essentially, school districts would choose one of two options — store cell phones at school or mandate they be left at home.

The ban would also cover all student personal devices such as laptops and smartwatches.

The state Department of Education would establish a model policy for school districts to consider.

Testimony on Tuesday came from individuals and representatives from advocacy groups wh