Lansing, MI → A major shift is coming to Michigan classrooms beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, as a new statewide policy will prohibit smartphone use during instructional time in K–12 public and charter schools. While the goal is to reduce distractions and improve focus in the classroom, the biggest impact for students and parents may come from the penalties tied to breaking the rules.
Under the policy, individual school districts must create and publish their own enforcement plans online. While details will vary slightly from district to district, most are expected to follow a similar escalating discipline structure for students who ignore the ban.
Common enforcement models already being discussed include confiscating the phone for the rest of the school day for a first offense. A second violation may require a parent or guardian to come to the school to retrieve the device. By a third offense, students could face formal disciplinary action, including suspension.
The ban applies specifically to instructional time, meaning students will not be allowed to use smartphones during class unless there is a legitimate exception. Schools will still permit use for emergencies, documented medical needs, or specialized education purposes when approved.
Private and parochial schools are not covered under the statewide requirement.
State leaders say the move is aimed at restoring focus in classrooms and cutting down on distractions that teachers have increasingly struggled to manage. By requiring districts to publicly post their policies, parents will be able to clearly see what consequences their child could face if rules are repeatedly ignored.