Michigan Bans Cell Phones in Classrooms Starting Next School Year

Starting next school year, Michigan classrooms are going to look a little different.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills into law this week that will ban most student cell phone use during instructional time across the state. The signing happened at Waverly High School, alongside the bipartisan sponsors of the legislation.

Beginning in the 2026 - 2027 school year, Michigan students will not be allowed to use their cell phones during classroom instructional time.

There are exceptions to the law that make sense: Devices that are medically necessary are allowed, school issued laptops and tablets are fine, and phones or devices used for special education services or written into a student’s individualized education plan are also permitted. Teachers can still allow devices for specific academic assignments when needed, and of course devices can be used in emergency situations.

This law requires every school district in Michigan to create and enforce a clear wireless device policy. That policy must also explain how the rules will be enforced, and must be posted publicly on the district’s website.

Schools can also go further and add stricter rules if they choose, which we’ve already seen across the state with some schools adding devices like Yondr bags to keep students off their phones.

The second bill makes sure districts have a clear plan for how students are allowed to use their phones during an emergency, and that protocol now has to be included in each district’s emergency operations plan.

If you are a parent, this probably sparks a strong reaction one way or the other. Some families will cheer the idea of distraction free classrooms. Others will worry about not being able to reach their kids instantly. The law attempts to balance the two by still allowing devices when they are necessary or part of an emergency.

But the overall message from lawmakers was clear. Phones have become a major classroom distraction, and Michigan is joining a growing list of states trying to rein that in.

The policy does not take effect until the 2026 - 2027 school year, giving districts time to prepare and communicate the changes. So there is still time for families and schools to figure out what this looks like locally. Starting next school year, the days of constant phone use in Michigan classrooms are coming to an end.