Many Wisconsin Schools Banning Phones in Classrooms: Parents Fear Losing Lifeline in Emergencies

Schools Move to Tighten Phone Restrictions

In early 2025, the Wisconsin State Assembly approved Assembly Bill 2, which mandates that all public school boards implement policies banning cell phones during instructional time. The measure, spearheaded by Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay), allows exemptions for medical needs, emergencies, and educational purposes. This legislation gives school districts legal support to enforce what many already have in place: around 90% of districts report having some form of restrictive cell phone policy.

However, policies vary:

• ~70% restrict phone use to non-classroom zones like hallways and cafeterias,
• ~20% enforce full bans,
• ~10% have no formal restrictions.

Private institutions are following suit. Madison’s Edgewood High School will start requiring students to store phones in Yondr pouches during the school day beginning August 2025—but with a safety twist: pouches can be broken to access a phone in emergencies.

Parents’ Concerns: Unable to Connect in Critical Moments

While educators emphasize the benefits—better focus, reduced distractions, and improved mental health—many parents worry about the potential safety risks. In hearings, critics argue the bill removes local control and imposes an unfunded mandate.

Parents are particularly anxious about being unable to reach their children during emergency situations, such as a school shooting. While legislators counter that phone lines must remain clear for 911 and first responders, parents feel cut off during possibly life-threatening crises

Wisconsin’s Most Recent School Shooting Raises the Stakes

These concerns aren’t theoretical. On December 16, 2024, a deadly school shooting occurred at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison:

• A 15-year-old student opened fire in a study hall, killing a teacher and a fellow student, wounding six, and then taking her own life.
• The school and community were thrown into mourning. A second-grade teacher made the emergency 911 call, highlighting how crucial immediate communication is.
• The incident amplified parental fears: as one mother expressed, “If your kids are at school… where are they going to be safe?”

Balancing Focus and Safety—Schools Respond

Some schools are taking creative steps to reconcile both priorities. At Edgewood High, the lockable pouch system allows students to retain phones but provides safe access in urgent situations. Other districts are using lockboxes or designated common areas to store phones while still granting controlled access.

Escalating Gun Violence: Annunciation Catholic School Shooting in Minneapolis (August 27, 2025)

Tragedy struck again—this time yesterday—when a shooter opened fire during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The results were heart-wrenching:

• Two children (ages 8 and 10) were killed.
• Seventeen others were wounded—including fourteen children and three elderly parishioners. Authorities confirm all injured survivors are expected to recover.
• The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, used a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—all recently and legally purchased. Westman died by suicide at the scene.
• The FBI is investigating the attack as a potential domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected in Minneapolis, MN.

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