Michigan Senate Advances Legislation to Restrict Electronic Devices in Schools
In a move aimed at minimizing distractions and combating digital bullying, the Michigan Senate has passed legislation that mandates schools to create and enforce policies limiting the use of personal electronic devices in classrooms. This legislative effort, supported by both parties, now awaits Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s signature for one of the bills, while the other requires approval from the House to become law. Read the bill details here.
Governor Whitmer initially advocated for this legislation in her State of the State address, highlighting the need to reduce classroom disruptions and prevent bullying via electronic devices. However, previous efforts were hindered by differing approaches from House Republicans and Senate Democrats.
Senator Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), who is a former teacher and the chair of the Senate Education Committee, emphasized bipartisan cooperation in this legislative process. “Yes, we can come together across the aisle and across chambers to do the right things for kids, parents, and schools,” she stated.
The new rules will allow exceptions for medical devices, emergency communication, and instructional use of electronics. According to Polehanki, the legislation establishes a baseline for schools, but districts are free to implement more stringent policies if desired. “These bills reflect the minimum that schools must implement regarding school cell phone use, but schools can implement more-strict policies if they so choose,” she explained.
While some local school leaders and parents expressed a preference for district-specific policies, others see a statewide mandate as a protective measure for school officials against backlash from parents and students.
Don Wotruba, executive director of the Michigan Association of School Boards, noted the potential adjustment period for families and students. “Schools will follow the law and kids will have to learn to live without their phones during school,” he mentioned in an interview with Michigan Public Radio. He added, “That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I’m sure it won’t be just smooth sailing for every school district. Even as local districts have adopted their own policies, they’ve seen pushback.”
Currently, thirty-six states and the District of Columbia have similar requirements in place to control electronic device usage in educational settings.
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