The Michigan Education Association praised state lawmakers for passing bipartisan legislation Thursday to require that school districts adopt policies banning student smartphone use during instructional time.

“We commend state lawmakers for working together on a bipartisan basis to address addictive smartphone use among students,” said MEA President and CEO Chandra Madafferi, a teacher from Oakland County. “Frontline teachers and school support staff know that students must be fully engaged in school to achieve academic success and develop critical social skills. Our kids can’t get the education they need if they’re glued to their screens rather than paying attention in class.”

The bipartisan package of bills consists of Senate Bill 495 and House Bill 4141, sponsored by state Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) and state Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester), respectively.  Together, the bills require school districts to adopt cell phone policies that, at a minimum, bar students from using wireless communication devices on school grounds during instructional time (from “class bell to class bell”).

The bills define wireless communication devices as those devices capable of text messaging, voice communication, entertainment, navigation, accessing the internet, sending and receiving photos and videos, or sending and receiving email. Basic devices like flip phones that can’t access the internet are not subject to the same restrictions.

Under the legislation, districts would also be allowed to adopt policies that go beyond the minimum requirements and prohibit students’ smartphone use more broadly. For example, districts could choose to allow phones only during the lunch period and only for students in certain grades, or they could ban smartphone use throughout the school day.

The bills also require districts to publicly post their cell phone policies, including details on how policies will be enforced.

In addition to allowing basic phones, the bipartisan deal allows for exemptions for district-owned devices, medically necessary devices, special education accommodations, and instructional uses at the discretion of classroom teachers.

Finally, school district policies must include exemptions for use in emergency situations that align with the district’s emergency operations plans and protocols.HB 4141 has now passed both chambers. Once the House concurs with the Senate on SB 495, the tie-barred bills will go to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her anticipated approval.

“This has been a top issue for Michigan Education Association members working in rural, urban and suburban schools alike, and we are thrilled to see the House and Senate pass this important legislation,” Madafferi said. “We look forward to continuing our work with Gov. Whitmer and lawmakers from both parties to address the challenges facing our neighborhood schools, so we can create a brighter future for students in every corner of Michigan.”