Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation in February restricting smartphone use among students during instructional time — proof that lawmakers can make good things happen when they set aside partisanship and work together toward a goal.

Research shows the deep connection between teens’ mental health struggles and social media use. In a world of distractions, where self-worth can seem regulated by social media algorithms, this law moves Michigan students and classrooms forward.

To address these concerns and more, the bipartisan package of bills requires school districts to adopt cell phone policies that, at a minimum, bar students from using wireless communication devices on school grounds during instructional time.

In this issue, learn more about this new law, how districts can enact further limitations, what allowable exceptions are included, and what do educators need to keep in mind as new cell phone rules are implemented this fall.

State leaders should build on this momentum and identify other ways to safeguard student mental health and safety online, like the “Kids Over Clicks” legislation introduced by Senate Democrats in December:

• The Michigan Kids Code would enact “safety by design” and “privacy by default” rules designed to protect children from harmful content, online scams and targeted ads.
• The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act would prohibit social media companies from using content-feed algorithms for minors.
• The Leading Ethical AI Development (LEAD) for Kids Act would help restrict children’s access to potentially dangerous AI chatbots.

Along with the new smartphone law, these bills can improve children’s mental health, protect them from online exploitation and help them better focus on their studies. These are issues every Michigan educator and school is facing, and that’s why MEA is committed to advocating for the passage of these common-sense protections for our kids.

In Solidarity Always,

Chandra Madafferi, MEA President and CEO

Brett Smith, MEA Vice President

Aaron Eling, MEA Secretary-Treasurer