Lansing, Michigan – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation that aims to minimize phone-related distractions during the school day. This is a new step that Michigan has made to assist students stay focused in class.
The new rules say that school districts must make explicit strategies to discourage students from using their personal devices during class, but they can still use them in emergencies or for actual educational purposes. Whitmer originally asked for this kind of action in her 2025 State of the State address. In the end, lawmakers from both parties supported the idea.
State leaders believe the development shows that people are becoming more concerned about how being around screens all the time affects learning and health. Whitmer said that cutting down on phone use in class can help children do better in school and promote their mental health.
“I’m proud to sign these bipartisan bills that will help prioritize academic success and support youth mental health,” said Governor Whitmer.
“We know that when students put their phones down, their grades go up. 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.”
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Lawmakers who backed the proposals said that classroom experience and larger social trends were behind their support. Supporters said that frequent phone calls make it harder to educate and make it harder for kids to focus. They also said that these calls are a major cause of mental health problems among young people.
Teenagers who spend a lot of time in front of screens are more likely to develop anxiety, sadness, shorter attention spans, and less social engagement. National surveys of teachers also show that most professionals support rules that limit phone use in class.
Similar programs in other states and individual Michigan schools have already had good results, such as higher test scores, less cyberbullying, more use of libraries, and better connections with peers. The new law keeps decision-making flexible by letting districts make policy with input from teachers, parents, and local communities. This makes sure that devices remain available when they are really needed.
The move is part of a larger effort to improve education in Michigan, which includes free school meals, expanded early childhood education, stronger literacy programs, efforts to hire more teachers, better mental health and safety supports, more money for each student, and more financial aid for recent graduates who want to get certificates or degrees.
Officials argue that these programs are meant to improve both students’ academic progress and their long-term health across the state.
Senate Bill 495 and House Bill 4141 call for Michigan school districts to create action plans that keep devices away during class.