Michigan lawmakers are advancing legislation that would limit how and when students can use cell phones during the school day. The goal, supporters say, is to reduce classroom distractions while still allowing parents and students to stay connected when it matters.
Here is a plain language breakdown of what is being proposed and how it could affect your child.
The legislation would require all Michigan public school districts and charter schools to adopt a policy that restricts student cell phone use during instructional time. Instructional time means when classes and lessons are actively taking place.
This is not a full ban on phones at school. Students would still be allowed to bring phones with them. The focus is on limiting use while teaching is happening.
Two bills are tied together and must both pass for the changes to take effect. One focuses on classroom phone use. The other updates school emergency and safety plans to clarify how phones can be used during emergencies.
If the legislation becomes law, schools would be required to do the following:
Students would not be allowed to use smartphones or similar wireless devices during class time.
Schools would still allow phone use outside of instructional time. This includes before school, between classes, lunch periods, and after school.
Schools would be required to clearly publish their phone policies so parents know what to expect.
There would be exceptions. Phones could still be used for medical needs, health monitoring, or emergency situations.
Basic phones that only allow calling or texting and do not access the internet may still be permitted depending on the district.
This means your child would likely keep their phone with them but would be expected to put it away during lessons.
This legislation does not ban phones from school buildings.
It does not permanently take phones away from students.
It does not prevent students from contacting parents during emergencies.
It does not create one single rule for every school. Local districts still decide how the policy is enforced.
Each school district would determine whether phones are kept in lockers, backpacks, pouches, or another system during class.
Supporters say cell phones have become a major distraction in classrooms and interfere with learning. Teachers and administrators report that phones pull attention away from lessons and make classroom management more difficult.
Lawmakers from both parties say the proposal is a compromise. It limits distractions without cutting off communication between parents and students during emergencies.
The governor has also publicly supported reducing phone use during class as a way to improve focus and learning environments.
A key part of the legislation focuses on safety.
Schools would be required to include phone use guidelines in their emergency operations plans. This ensures students can still use their devices when there is a legitimate safety concern.
Lawmakers say this was added specifically to address parental concerns about being able to reach their children during emergencies.
If both bills pass and are signed into law, schools would be given time to prepare and update their policies.
The changes are expected to begin in the 2026 to 2027 school year, allowing districts to communicate clearly with parents and students ahead of time.
Your local school district will decide how the policy is enforced.
You should watch for updates from your child’s school explaining how phones will be handled during class.
If you have concerns, school board meetings and district feedback sessions are where parents can weigh in.
This legislation sets a statewide expectation but leaves the details up to local schools.
