Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two bipartisan bills Tuesday that will improve focus during class time by minimizing digital distractions. Senate Bill 495 and House Bill 4141 call for Michigan school districts to create action plans that keep devices away during class, with exceptions for emergencies and academic use. Governor Whitmer originally called for this change during her 2025 State of the State Address. With strong bipartisan support, this measure will help students focus more on their schoolwork and encourage healthier habits with screen time and social media use.
“I’m proud to sign these bipartisan bills that will help prioritize academic success and support youth mental health,” said 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.”
Studies show that high screen times are associated with a rise in anxiety and depression, diminished attention spans, and a negative impact on social skills among U.S. teenagers. According to the National Education Association, 90% of educators support policies that reduce cell phone use during class time to address these concerns.
Over half of states across the U.S. and several schools in Michigan have already implemented policies that address phones in the classroom.
Districts will have control over their phone policies, allowing local leaders to consult with teachers, parents, and community members on what works best for their schools. This allows for flexibility in deciding how students can access their devices in case of emergency and on productive ways phones can be used as academic tools.
“I’m proud to sign these bipartisan bills that will help prioritize academic success and support youth mental health,” said 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.”
Studies show that high screen times are associated with a rise in anxiety and depression, diminished attention spans, and a negative impact on social skills among U.S. teenagers. According to the National Education Association, 90% of educators support policies that reduce cell phone use during class time to address these concerns.
Over half of states across the U.S. and several schools in Michigan have already implemented policies that address phones in the classroom.
Districts will have control over their phone policies, allowing local leaders to consult with teachers, parents, and community members on what works best for their schools. This allows for flexibility in deciding how students can access their devices in case of emergency and on productive ways phones can be used as academic tools.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
