Michigan School Phone Limits Get ‘C’ Grade as Student Performance Concerns Intensify

ANN ARBOR – Michigan has taken a step to curb student phone use in schools — but not far enough to satisfy a growing national movement pushing for stricter, all-day bans, particularly as concerns mount over student academic performance.

A new national report card from child safety and technology advocacy groups gave Michigan a “C” grade for its recently enacted school phone policy, highlighting what critics say is a significant gap between the state’s approach and emerging “gold standard” legislation.

The law, H.B. 4141, sponsored by State Rep. Mark Tisdel and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, requires school districts to limit student use of personal electronic devices — but only during instructional time.

That distinction is quickly becoming the center of a broader debate about student focus, classroom distractions, and academic outcomes.

A Partial Ban — Not “Bell-to-Bell”

Under Michigan’s law, students are restricted from using smartphones and other personal devices while class is in session. However, the devices can still be used between classes, at lunch, and during other non-instructional periods.

Advocacy groups behind the national report card say that approach falls short of what they consider the most effective standard: requiring devices to be stored away and inaccessible for the entire school day — often referred to as a “bell-to-bell” policy.

Organizations including The Anxious Generation Movement, Smartphone Free Childhood US, Institute for Families and Technology, and Becca Schmill Foundation argue that anything less leaves significant room for distraction.

“Every student deserves a school environment free from the distractions of personal devices throughout the entire day,” said Deb Schmill, founder of the Becca Schmill Foundation.

Student Performance Adds Urgency

The debate over student phone use is unfolding as Michigan continues to face persistent challenges in academic performance.

According to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only about one-third of Michigan fourth-grade students are proficient in reading — meaning the majority are performing below grade level.

In a state where most students are not reading at grade level, even incremental sources of distraction are drawing increased scrutiny from educators and policymakers.

While no direct causal link has been established between smartphone use and declining reading scores, some education experts argue that constant access to devices — particularly social media — can make it more difficult for students to maintain focus and build foundational literacy skills.

That concern is one reason advocates are pushing for stricter “bell-to-bell” policies, arguing that reducing digital distractions during the school day could improve engagement and learning outcomes.

Regional Comparison Raises Pressure

Michigan’s “C” grade also reflects how it stacks up against neighboring states.

Advocates point to Indiana as a regional example of stricter policy, where schools are moving closer to full-day device restrictions. That comparison is likely to increase pressure on Michigan lawmakers to revisit the issue.

States receiving top marks require devices to be secured and inaccessible throughout the entire school day — a standard that is gaining traction nationwide.

A Growing National Movement

The push for tighter restrictions has accelerated amid rising concerns about the impact of smartphones and social media on young people.

Much of that momentum has been influenced by The Anxious Generation, which argues that constant connectivity is contributing to increased anxiety, reduced attention spans, and weaker academic outcomes among students.

Supporters of stricter policies say limiting access during the school day can:

• Improve academic performance
• Reduce social pressure and cyberbullying
• Increase classroom engagement
• Support student mental health

Implementation Challenges Remain

Despite growing momentum for stricter rules, not all educators agree that a full-day ban is practical.

Restricting phone use during class is relatively straightforward. Extending that restriction to hallways, lunch periods, and after-school time presents logistical challenges — particularly in larger districts.

School leaders also point to concerns including:

• Emergency communication between parents and students
• Equity issues for students who rely on phones outside school
• Administrative burden of storing and managing devices

As a result, many districts are already experimenting with their own policies, creating a patchwork approach across the state.

What Comes Next

For now, Michigan’s law establishes a baseline by ensuring phones are restricted during instructional time statewide.

But the “C” grade signals that the debate is far from over.

As pressure builds from advocacy groups, neighboring states, and ongoing concerns about student performance, lawmakers may face increasing calls to strengthen the policy toward a full “bell-to-bell” model.

Michigan has entered the national conversation on student phone use — but it has not taken the lead.

By choosing a middle-ground approach, the state has left room for future policy changes at a time when both academic performance concerns and technology-related distractions are intensifying.

“For many students, the school day may be the only structured break from constant digital engagement — raising questions about what happens when that structure disappears.”