A statewide ban on student cell phone use on school grounds will be implemented in MI starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Feb. 10, 2026, the legislation requires schools to restrict phone use during instructional time with exceptions and allowance for individual districts to determine the specific rules for their schools.
The Grosse Pointe Public School System (GPPSS) already has a policy that closely aligns with the new law, according to Deputy Superintendent Dr. Roy Bishop.
“We believe that our current policy meets the standard of the law, as the law requires schools to create policies restricting, but not completely banning devices during class, allowing exceptions for emergencies, medical needs and specific educational uses,” Bishop said.
At South, phones are currently prohibited with exceptions for passing time, lunch periods and education purposes under teacher direction. Governor Whitmer said that in the best interest of students the bill is necessary to further enforce similar policies.
“I’m proud to sign these bipartisan bills that will help prioritize academic success and support youth mental health,” Governor Whitmer said in a statement. “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.”
Elizabeth Bornoty has taught at South since 1993, witnessing the rise of cell phones and the consequent need for this policy.
“More and more and more, students go grab for it, they hear it vibrate, they want to go look and it’s in their pocket,” Bornoty said. “They’re constantly looking and they’re missing what’s happening and that long term could have a negative impact.”
As a student at South, Allison Logan ’28 sees varying degrees of usefulness for cell phones in schools.
“It’s not really necessary to have phones,” Logan said. “Unless it’s a project where you need to film something or you need to use your phone for another reason.”
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To prepare for the law to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, Bishop said GPPSS will meet with building administrators in the coming months to review and adjust district policies to ensure they align with the new state requirements.
“I believe the law is well-intentioned,” Bishop said. “Enforcing this legislation falls on our district and teachers and requires cooperation from students.”
Regardless of the exact policy, Bornoty believes that cell phones are a distraction that’s removal will ultimately help students.
“It’s not about controlling a situation. It’s about providing an opportunity for students not to be distracted,” Bornoty said. “When we remove the distractions, hopefully they’re more engaged, which inevitably will help them be successful.”
