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Michigan House Bill 4141, led by Rep. DeBoer and Rep. Tisdel, would restrict student cell phone use in Michigan schools in a move to increase classroom focus and learning outcomes.
Proposed Cell Phone Policy Aims to Curb Distraction in Michigan Schools
A bill advancing through the Michigan Legislature could significantly reshape how public schools handle student cell phone use. House Bill 4141, introduced by Rep. Mark A. Tisdel (R-Rochester Hills), and recently advanced by Rep. Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland) in her role as chair of the House Education Committee, would mandate that all public schools in the state develop policies restricting student access to wireless communication devices during the school day.
The bill cleared the House Education Committee on May 15, 2025, and awaits full House consideration.
Details of the Ban: What Michigan House Bill 4141 Requires
HB 4141 mandates that all Michigan public schools, including public school academies (charter schools), adopt enforceable policies limiting student access to wireless communications devices—defined as any electronic tool capable of texting, internet browsing, voice communication, photo sharing, or email. Basic voice-only phones would be exempt.
For elementary and middle school students, the bill requires a full-day ban, including lunch and recess. High school students would face restrictions during instructional time only. Schools that serve mixed-grade levels would be expected to apply the high school-level rule at a minimum.
The legislation is intended to reduce distractions from social media and messaging apps, which proponents argue interfere with focus and learning.
Built-in Exemptions Protect Critical Needs and Instructional Use
The bill outlines specific exemptions to avoid interference with educational or medical needs. Schools must allow:
- Medically necessary devices
- School-owned tablets or laptops
- Assistive technology required under federal law (e.g., Section 504 accommodations)
- Devices used under a teacher’s direction for academic purposes
Notably, HB 4141 would also repeal Section 1303 of the Revised School Code, which previously allowed local discretion on device policies. That move would create a statewide standard, superseding district-by-district rules.
Teacher’s Unions Support Cell Phone Ban in Schools
Many teacher unions support banning or restricting cell phone use in schools, citing concerns about student focus, learning, and mental health. Feedback from from union leaders and surveys show that a large majority of teachers support such policies.
A 2024 survey of National Education Association (NEA) members found that 90% of teachers supported prohibiting cell phone use during instructional time, and 83% supported a ban for the entire school day.
Michigan Education Association (MEA) conducted a survey of educators and found, “Allowing students to access social media and other apps on their personal devices harms their mental health, interrupts instructional time and stunts their social development.” The MEA emphasizes the negative impact of cell phones on student well-being and learning.
No Direct State Costs, But Local Implementation May Vary
According to the House Fiscal Agency, HB 4141 carries no state-level fiscal impact but may require administrative time from local schools to create and communicate new policies. These costs are expected to be minimal and handled using existing staff resources.
The fiscal analysts did not project the need for new funding, suggesting districts can meet requirements without additional state aid.
Michigan Educators and Lawmakers Weigh Impact on Learning
Supporters argue the policy would help restore order in classrooms and boost academic engagement.
“Cell phones are negatively impacting our students’ academic success,” said Rep. DeBoer, a former teacher. “Our children are the future of our communities, and we must do everything we can to support their education.”
Opposition voices—while not included in the bill text—have emerged in broader education discussions, raising concerns about student safety, emergency contact access, and overreach into parental control.
Broader Legislative Trends and Related Tech-in-School Debates
Michigan is not alone in revisiting classroom device usage. Several states, including California and Florida, have either passed or proposed similar limitations, citing rising concerns about screen addiction, cyberbullying, and plummeting attention spans.
The bill reflects a growing consensus that digital management is now a core part of school discipline and pedagogy.
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