From Policy to Practice: Wisconsin School Phone Bans

Helping Students Adjust to New School Phone Policies

A practical webinar series for school leaders, educators, and families navigating changes under Wisconsin Act 42.

Wisconsin schools are preparing to implement new student cell phone policies under Wisconsin Act 42 for the 2026-27 school year. In response, UW-Madison Division of Extension is offering the Wisconsin School Phone Bans Webinar Series, a three-part series for school leaders, educators, and families.

Each session is designed for a different audience and will offer practical tools and evidence-based guidance for supporting students as schools put new phone policies into practice.

Teen girl using smart phone

Wisconsin School Phone Bans Webinar Series

Implementing School Phone Bans

for school leaders

Monday, August 31, 2026
12:00–1:15 p.m.
 $10 to attend

Managing Phone-Free Learning

for educators

Monday, August 31, 2026
5:30–6:00 p.m.
$5 to attend

Parenting in a Digital World

for families

Tuesday, September 1, 2026
6:00–6:30 p.m.
Free to attend

Participants are welcome to attend more than one webinar.

Implementing School Phone Bans

Monday, August 31, 2026
12:00–1:15 p.m.
Cost: $10

Designed for district leaders, principals, and school support staff. This session will focus on:

  • Policy implementation
  • Communication with staff, students, and families
  • Building buy-in
  • Creating consistency across classrooms and school spaces
  • Preparing staff to respond to common challenges

Managing Phone-Free Learning

Monday, August 31, 2026
5:30–6:00 p.m.
Cost: $5

Designed for teachers and instructional staff. This session will focus on:

  • Setting clear expectations
  • Helping students adjust to phone-free learning
  • Supporting attention and engagement
  • Responding to phone use in the moment
  • Creating consistent classroom routines

Parenting in a Digital World

Tuesday, September 1, 2026
6:00–6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Designed for parents, family members, and caregivers. This session will focus on:

  • Household media habits
  • Setting realistic technology boundaries
  • Talking with children and teens about phone use
  • Supporting healthy digital habits
  • Building alignment between home and school