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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

February 10, 2026  

Contact: [email protected]  <[email protected]> 

 

*Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan **Legislation to Reduce Phone Distractions **in Classroom and Improve Student Focus*

"New law delivers on goal set in 2025 State of the State Address as Michigan takes action to keep phones away during instructional time and improve student focus, performance, and mental health" 

 

*LANSING, Mich. *–* *Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed two bipartisan bills that will improve focus during class time by minimizing digital distractions. *Senate Bill 495* [ [link removed] ] and *House Bill 4141* [ [link removed] ]* *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 *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.” 

 

“With nearly 20 years of experience as a public school teacher, I know firsthand how much student cell phone use impedes the ability to focus and learn in the classroom. And we all know that our educators are tasked with plenty enough already, so the last thing they need is the distraction of a cell phone going off while they’re trying to teach,” said state *Senator Dayna Polehanki* (D-Livonia). “That's why I’m proud to have championed this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that ensures phones are kept out of the hands of kids during the most critical time of the school day — when they’re in the classroom. I’m grateful to everyone who played a role in getting this important policy across the finish line.” 

 

“We’re in the middle of a mental health crisis that is hurting kids. Getting cellphones out of the classroom will help protect young, developing brains, and I’m glad we were able to work together to get this done,” said state *Rep. Mark Tisdel*, (R-Rochester Hills). “Next, I’m working on legislation to give parents more control over how their children use social media. Social media is addictive by design; we’ve got to break the spell so kids can be free to be kids again.” 

 

Studies [ [link removed] ] 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% [ [link removed] ] 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. These schools have seen positive results, including a rise in test scores, fewer instances of cyberbullying, more use of school libraries, and improved social skills among students. These bills will help Michigan students succeed by removing one of the most disruptive distractions in the classroom and by helping our kids prioritize their academic success and mental well-being.  

 

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. 

 

*Supporting MI Students* 

Governor Whitmer continues to work hard for Michigan’s students, securing record investments in programs from preschool to postsecondary education. Achievements include: 


* Providing free breakfast and lunch to Michigan’s 1.4 million public school students 

* Boosting literacy supports with investments in proven science of reading curriculum, comprehensive training for educators, and more 

* Expanding free Pre-K to every 4-year-old in Michigan, regardless of family income 

* Recruiting and training new educators by lowering the cost of earning a teaching certificate and paying student teachers  

* Investing in supports for student mental health and school safety 

* Increasing per-pupil funding to new highs, delivering stronger resources for Michigan students and educators 

* Lowering the cost of earning a skill certificate or degree for recent high school grads through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee  

 

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