New state law lets local districts set cellphone rules for 2026-27

Michigan public school districts and public school academies, including those in Ingham County, must adopt a policy banning student use of wireless communication devices during instructional time starting with the 2026-27 school year, under a law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Feb. 10, 2026.

The law requires each district to prohibit phone use during class time, spell out how the rule will be enforced, and post the policy online. Districts have the option to go further by restricting phones during lunch, passing periods, or the entire school day.

Required exceptions apply to medically necessary devices, school-issued technology, special education accommodations, teacher-approved academic use, and emergencies.

The law sets a statewide framework but leaves enforcement and consequences to individual districts, meaning responses to violations, ranging from warnings to confiscation, parent calls, detention, or suspension, will vary by school district.

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