Michigan Is One Step Closer to Banning Phones in Class

It feels like this is long overdue.

Michigan is one step closer to getting phones out of the classroom during the school day.

The state House just passed a bill that would keep cell phones out of classrooms during the school day. If it becomes law, it would kick in next school year, giving schools plenty of time to figure out how they want to handle it.

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Phones are a huge distraction. Teachers know it. Parents know it. Kids definitely know it. The goal here is to keep students focused on learning instead of scrolling TikTok, playing games, or constantly chatting with friends.

What the Michigan Cell Phone Bill Would Change for Schools

According to MLive, under the bill, every public school and charter school would have to come up with a policy that bans phone use during class. Can I get an amen?

Would Phones Be Completely Banned in Michigan Schools?

But hold up, this doesn’t mean phones are totally going away. Students could still have them for emergencies. Medical devices are exempt. School laptops and tablets are still fine. And districts get to decide whether phones live in lockers, backpacks, or pockets.

Schools could also go stricter if they want, but they do not have to ban phones during lunch, recess, or breaks.

This passed with overwhelming support from both parties after failing last year, which tells you lawmakers finally got on the same page. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has already said she supports limiting phones in class, so odds are good this lands on her desk.

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I know I sound like an old-timer when I say this, but there’s absolutely no reason kids need to have their phones in class. Period. Before cellphones, it wasn’t even an option, and we all turned out just fine. Maybe even a little better.