Michigan Bans Student Smartphone Use During Class Time

New law gives schools flexibility to enforce restrictions on mobile devices

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation that prohibits public school students in Michigan from using smartphones during instructional time. The law, introduced by state Representative Mark Tisdel, aims to reduce classroom distractions and keep students focused on their studies. While the new rules still allow device use during non-instruction time, schools will have the ability to develop their own enforcement plans to meet the statewide standard.

Why it matters

The new smartphone ban in Michigan schools reflects a growing trend across the country to limit the disruptive impact of mobile devices in the classroom. Supporters argue that smartphones can distract students from learning, while also leading to social drama that further disrupts the educational environment. However, the law seeks to balance these concerns with allowing students to use their devices for coordinating after-school activities and addressing emergencies.

The details

Representative Mark Tisdel first introduced a classroom cell phone ban in 2023, but faced pushback. This latest legislation, which Tisdel says involved input from a range of stakeholders, prohibits public school students from using smartphones during instruction time. The law still allows device use during non-instruction periods like breaks and lunch. It also includes exemptions for emergencies and medical reasons, and permits the continued use of basic 'dumb' phones. While the state has set a minimum standard, the law gives individual schools flexibility to develop their own enforcement plans.

  • The new law will take effect starting next school year.
  • Tisdel first introduced a classroom cell phone ban in 2023.

The players

Governor Gretchen Whitmer

The governor of Michigan who signed the new law restricting student smartphone use during class time.

Mark Tisdel

A state representative from Rochester Hills who introduced the legislation to ban student smartphone use during instruction.

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What they’re saying

“Not only are you supposed to be focused on the knowledge that the teaching professional is trying to impart, but worse than that even is all of the drama that's associated with or precipitated by the use of smartphones in schools.”

— Mark Tisdel, State Representative (moodyonthemarket.com)

“Each will have their own particular needs and abilities and resources, but there is a statewide standard minimum that needs to be met. And we didn't put penalties or anything like that in the bill. These are professionals.”

— Mark Tisdel, State Representative (moodyonthemarket.com)

What’s next

The new law will take effect at the start of the next school year, giving districts time to develop their own enforcement plans to meet the statewide standard.

The takeaway

Michigan's new restrictions on student smartphone use during class time reflect a broader effort across the country to limit the disruptive impact of mobile devices in the classroom. While the law gives schools flexibility in implementation, it establishes a statewide minimum standard aimed at keeping students focused on their studies and reducing social drama stemming from smartphone use.