LANSING, Mich. -- Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bill to ban cellphones in Michigan public and charter classrooms.
The law sets minimum standards: local school districts may adopt stricter policies.
A total of 537 school districts across Michigan will be impacted.
It will take effect for the 2026-'27 school year and prohibit students from using wireless communication devices on school grounds during class times.
However, there are some exemptions. For example, the use of medically necessary devices, district-owned such as school-issued tablets or laptop computers, and emergency situations. More specifically, emergencies would include when a phone is required for safety, such as during a lockdown. Or, on school campus while driving around to report a crime or an emergency.
Medical necessity could devices used in IEPs or 504 plans. Basic phones without internet capability, such as some flip phones, would also be exempted from the ban.
State Representative Mark Tisdel, a Rochester Republican, phoned WOOD Radio News to discuss the benefit of legislation he's worked on for two years.
He said it will lead to more proactive learning and less interruptions by social media contacts.
"Dozens of states across the country, since my first draft of this, have put in similar legislation," he said. "And the results are tremendous. You're seeing kids less distracted, more focused on the teacher at the front of the classroom, more engaged in the lesson in asking questions."
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