Time to Ban Cell Phones in Michigan Schools? The legislator proposes a plan at the state level

While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from districts and schools that cell phone restrictions have a positive impact, empirical evidence is limited and new research on student outcomes varies.

Part of the research show improved academic performance and students’ mental healthbut others suggest little change.

Many states have moved forward with new restrictionsdespite limited research.

If Tisdel’s bill passes, Michigan would join e8 other states have passed similar legislation.

Twelve other states have also introduced such legislation, and another six have created policy recommendations or pilot programs.

A poll conducted by the Pew Research Center between September 30 and October 6 found that 68 percent of adult participants supported banning middle and high school students from using cell phones during class.

But the poll found that support for banning mobile phones entirely in school had far less support, with 53% opposing such measures.

The biggest concern for critics of cell phone restrictions at school is safety.

When the deadly Oxford High School shooting occurred in 2021, students used their phones to communicate with parents and make videos of the attack.

“Parents were very concerned about the new policy because of our proximity to Oxford,” Garcia said of his school’s restrictions. “One of the most important things I’ve learned in safety training is that students need to listen and follow the teacher’s instructions in this type of situation.”

The principal said every teacher in the school has a “bag” that includes scissors so that once a student is in a safe place, they can cut the magnetic bag to remove their phones and talk to their parents.

Students can also keep their phones sealed in their possession throughout the day so parents can use apps that track their location on the device.

If Tisdel’s legislation were to pass as currently written, however, elementary-age students would not have access to the devices at school.

Tisdel said he understands parents’ concerns about safety, but said students should focus on first responders during an emergency.

“We have to take a step back and process — do you want a child trying to contact their parents in a real emergency, or do you want them to focus on someone on the scene guiding them?” he said.

Zdeb said she understands parents who want to stay in touch with their children. At the district level, administrators are already meeting with parents to come up with solutions that work for their school communities, she said.

Hannah Dellinger covers K-12 education and state education policy for Chalkbeat Detroit. You can reach her at [email protected].