The cell phone battle could be over in Michigan.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed legislation Tuesday banning students from using cell phones in the classroom.
But for some schools in our area, this is not new — some have already gone cell phone free.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer (D) signed a bill Tuesday that will ban cell phones in all classrooms starting next school year (WSBT 22)
Students today have many distractions in the classroom, many caused by cell phones.
This new law is hoping to help, and schools that have already had this ban in place say it will.
“Today, we’re showing up for our kids. We’re prioritizing their academic success and their mental health,” said Whitmer.
Saying goodbye to cell phones in the classroom, but saying hello to fewer distractions and more student engagement — that is the goal of the new law signed into action by Gov. Whitmer.
Students will not be allowed to use their phones during class, but they can use them in between class periods, if a student has medical needs, or in an emergency.
The Governor says the law comes as 75% of teachers agree hones and social media are serious problems they face in the classroom.
“It leads to cyber bullying, worsened school, social skills, and negatively impacts youth mental health,” said Whitmer.
Whitmer added more than half the country has already seen success with policies like this one.
Some districts say behavioral issues have dropped, test scores have risen, and students have built more meaningful connections.
The Coloma Community School District has already implemented similar rules.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer (D) signed a bill Tuesday that will ban cell phones in all classrooms starting next school year (WSBT 22)
Coloma Community Schools Junior High Principal Wendy Tremblay said, “For us, students have to have them locked in their lockers during class time. They’re allowed to access them during passing time and have them during lunches.”
The new law allows “dumb” or old style flip phones in the classroom, but at Coloma no phones are allowed in class.
Principal Tremblay says it was an adjustment, but there have been no issues.
“It was a change in routine for them, and I think it becomes almost like a security blanket for them. They’re so used to carrying them and having them in their hands, and I think as adults we’re just as guilty of that,” said Tremblay.
When asked if she believes this change will benefit other schools, Tremblay said, “Absolutely, yes. And I think the more that we can provide opportunities for them to disconnect from social media and connect with each other, the more students will benefit.”
The law will take effect in the 2026-27 school year.