NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – As phones in schools have been a growing concern across Michigan, a new law passed earlier this year states that all K-12 schools must implement a policy to ban them during instruction times.
Bill 4141 creator, Republican Rep. Mark Tisdel of Rochester Hills discussed his legislative process with Negaunee High School students on Thursday morning, alongside fellow Republican Rep., Karl Bohnak.
“Students will keep them in their lockers, and they’re allowed to use them during lunch time, but that’s it,” explained Bohnak.
For well over 10 years, social media usage has held the attention of all generations, including minors. Tisdel says this is a main focus at hand.
“There’s just no room for it during instruction,” said Tisdel. “Schools are allowed to be even more strict, there are some school districts across the state that have bell-to-bell prohibition.”
The legislation only allows for the use of devices that do not connect to the internet, with no support to third party applications. While school administrators have been the most outspoken, students are also in favor of how the distractions are being handled.
“We shouldn’t have our phones with us, we’re on them all day long,” said Negaunee High School Senior, Liliana Saunders. “It was a really important presentation, especially for teenagers our age.”
The legislation will take effect during the 2026-27 school year.
