What you need to know about cell phones in classrooms beginning in the 2026–27 school year

Michigan students will soon see a major shift in classroom policy.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed House Bill 4141 into law, officially banning the use of cell phones during instructional time starting in the 2026–27 school year. The bill, which passed the Michigan House of Representatives on Jan. 14 and the Michigan Senate on Jan. 22 with bipartisan support, requires schools to prohibit students from using “wireless communications devices” while class is in session.

Whitmer first called for the measure during last year’s State of the State address and emphasized the urgency of addressing classroom distractions at the bill signing.

“Students are losing their attention spans to apps that are designed to keep you scrolling,” Whitmer said. “Teachers are struggling to keep the class engaged while competing against social media.”

She cited research showing that 75% of teachers consider social media a serious problem in the classroom. Beyond academic distractions, supporters of the bill point to rising concerns about cyberbullying, declining in-person social skills and the broader mental health impact of constant connectivity.

What the law requires

Under the new law, students may not use personal wireless communication devices — including cell phones — on school grounds during instructional time. However, the legislation includes several important exemptions:

• Medically necessary devices
  
• District-owned devices such as school-issued laptops or tablets
  
• Devices designated for instructional purposes
  
• Special education accommodations, including devices listed in a student’s individualized education plan (IEP)
  
• Teacher-approved use for specific lesson-based assignments
  
• Emergency situations
  

Individual school boards may adopt stricter policies if they choose.

What this means for families

For many Michigan parents, the new law may prompt conversations about digital habits, independence and school-day communication.

While students will still be able to carry phones to and from school, their use during class time will be off-limits. Schools are expected to provide guidance to families before implementation in fall 2026.

Supporters say the goal is simple: create learning environments where students can focus, participate and build stronger in-person social skills without the pull of constant notifications.

As Michigan joins a growing number of states enacting classroom phone restrictions, families can expect more districts to begin outlining how the policy will work locally — including how devices will be stored and how parents can reach students in emergencies.

The law officially takes effect at the start of the 2026–27 academic year.

from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/CuZlbaI