As Michigan schools roll out new limits on phone use, educators and researchers are raising concerns about how social media and excessive screen time can affect students' focus and well-being—and whether new safeguards from Big Tech will go far enough.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a law in February aimed at limiting phone distractions during school hours. Senate Bill 495 and House Bill 4141 require schools to adopt policies that limit phone use during class, except in emergencies or for educational purposes.
This is the first school year in which those policies will be in effect; however, a study conducted by the University of Michigan earlier this year found that most Michigan districts already had some form of policy in place. Those policies varied in terms of how and when schools restricted phone use.
In April, the University of Michigan held a national conference on phones in schools.
While Americans increasingly support similar bans for middle- and high-school-aged kids, according to a 2025 Pew Research Study, some Michigan parents have already voiced skepticism about the new policies.
Thulin said school measures are helpful, but not a full solution.
For the full story, see the article by Kristine Gill in The "Gander.