LANSING, Mich. (WJRT) – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two bipartisan bills aimed at reducing digital distractions in Michigan classrooms by banning cell phones.
Senate Bill 495 and House Bill 4141 require school districts to devise plans for keeping devices away from students during class, except for emergencies and academic purposes.
“We know that when students put their phones down, their grades go up,” Whitmer said. “These bills will help keep kids focused in the classroom and break their growing dependency on screens and social media. We could all benefit from looking up at the world instead of down at our phones.”
Studies indicate that high screen times contribute to anxiety, depression, and diminished attention spans among teens. The National Education Association reports that 90% of educators support reducing cell phone use in class.
“We’re in the middle of a mental health crisis that is hurting kids,” said Republican State Rep. Mark Tisdel of Rochester Hills. “Getting cell phones out of the classroom will help protect young, developing brains.”
More than half of U.S. states and several Michigan schools have already implemented similar policies, resulting in higher test scores and improved social skills.
“With nearly 20 years of experience as a public school teacher, I know firsthand how much student cell phone use impedes the ability to focus and learn in the classroom,” said Democrat State Sen. Dayna Polehanki of Livonia.
Michigan school districts can tailor phone policies to their needs, allowing input from teachers, parents and community members to ensure flexibility for emergency and academic use.
