MEA praises new state law restricting student smartphone use in schools

Under the law, wireless communication devices are defined as those capable of text messaging, voice communication, entertainment, navigation, accessing the internet, sending and receiving photos and videos, or sending and receiving email. Basic devices such as non-internet-capable flip phones are not subject to the same restrictions.

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	MEA praises new state law restricting student smartphone use in schools EAST LANSING – The Michigan Education Association is applauding a new bipartisan state law, signed Tuesday, that will require Michigan school districts to adopt policies limiting student smartphone use during instructional time beginning with the 2026-27 school year. “We commend state lawmakers for working together on a bipartisan basis to address addictive smartphone use among students,” said MEA President and CEO Chandra Madafferi, a teacher from Oakland County. “Frontline teachers and school support staff know that students must be fully engaged in school to achieve academic success and develop critical social skills. Our kids can’t get the education they need if they’re glued to their screens rather than paying attention in class.” The legislation, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, is a bipartisan package consisting of Senate Bill 495, sponsored by Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), and House Bill 4141, sponsored by Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester). Together, the bills require districts to adopt policies that, at a minimum, bar students from using wireless communication devices on school grounds during instructional time — essentially from “class bell to class bell.” Under the law, wireless communication devices are defined as those capable of text messaging, voice communication, entertainment, navigation, accessing the internet, sending and receiving photos and videos, or sending and receiving email. Basic devices such as non-internet-capable flip phones are not subject to the same restrictions. Districts will have the flexibility to enact stricter policies that go beyond the minimum standard. For example, they could limit smartphone use to lunchtime for certain grade levels or prohibit student smartphone use throughout the entire school day. Each district’s cell phone policy must be publicly posted and must include details on how it will be enforced. The bipartisan compromise also carves out key exemptions, including for district-owned devices, medically necessary devices, special education accommodations, and instructional uses when permitted by classroom teachers. In addition, all district policies must include emergency-use exemptions aligned with the district’s emergency operations plans and protocols. “This has been a top issue for Michigan Education Association members working in rural, urban and suburban schools alike, and we are glad to see this bill signed into law today,” Madafferi said. “We look forward to continuing our work with Gov. Whitmer and lawmakers from both parties to address the challenges facing our neighborhood schools, so we can create a brighter future for students in every corner of Michigan.”