Grand Blanc Community Schools says a new Michigan law limiting cellphone use in classrooms aligns with its existing policy, and Superintendent Dr. Trevor Alward says the change is intended to reduce distractions, improve student engagement and support student mental health.
GRAND BLANC, Mich. (WJRT) – Mid-Michigan students are returning to the classroom for the start of a new year, and they’re following a new Michigan law that keeps phones out of classrooms.
Grand Blanc Community Schools superintendent Dr. Trevor Alward has been focused on maintaining distraction-free learning environments for a long time.
“This isn’t something new to our students here in Grand Blanc,” Alward said.
Grand Blanc Community Schools implemented a no cellphone, smartwatch or headphone policy of their own back in 2022.
But Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation last February requiring all Michigan public school districts to create plans minimizing device usage for this school year, Alward took a second look.
“Previously, we’ve allowed teacher discretion in regards to wireless devices in the classroom,” Alward said. “This year, we’ve taken that away.”
The law allows guidelines to vary from district to district. For Alward, that means different rules for different grade levels.
“At lower levels we call it ‘away for the day,'” Alward said. “Cell phones have to be stored in the locker for the school day. At the high school level, they need to be stowed in backpacks or on their person and they can only be accessed during passing time or lunch period.”
Alward said putting the devices away allows for more face-to-face connections and better classroom engagement. He also notes the policy helps combat the effects of social media on mental health.
“There’s research coming out about the mental health of students and the volume of time they spend on devices and screens,” Alward said. “So I don’t think at school we want to contribute and exacerbate that.”
For parents worried about emergency scenarios, Alward said staff go through intensive training and have communication devices on them to ensure safety. He notes that students carrying phones can sometimes hinder communication in emergencies.
“It can sometimes spread misinformation and spread fear,” Alward said. “So it’s important that those protocols are followed so that students and staff can get accurate information.”
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