State Rep. Karl Bohnak today supported the passage of bipartisan legislation designed to curb cell phone use in classrooms and restore focus to student learning. The plan empowers local school districts to address the growing cell phone distraction by adopting policies tailored to their communities’ specific needs.

“Many young people have developed an unhealthy relationship with cell phones that must be addressed,” said Bohnak, R-Deerton. “Instead of focusing on instruction, too many students are distracted by screens. What used to be passing notes under a desk has become constant scrolling, pulling students away from learning and meaningful interaction with their peers.”

Under the legislation, schools must prohibit cell phone use during instructional time and are also permitted to impose additional restrictions as needed.

While the bill establishes minimum standards, it preserves local control over how policies are implemented. Districts may allow students to keep phones on their person, require devices to be stored in lockers, or manage usage on a classroom-by-classroom basis.

“It’s critical that school districts have the flexibility to identify solutions that reflect their communities,” Bohnak said. “Especially in the Upper Peninsula, one-size-fits-all mandates have historically fallen short. Schools in Marquette or Norway serve very different populations than those in Grand Rapids or Detroit, and local leaders should have the authority to respond accordingly.”

Policies must include exemptions for the following circumstances:

• Medically necessary devices
• District-owned devices
• Districted-designated devices for instructional purposes
• Devices for lesson-specific academic assignments at the limited and direct discretion of a classroom teacher.
• Devices used for special education programming, IEPs, or 504 Plans.
• Devices in emergency situations if they do not interfere with school emergency protocols, actions of first responders, and do not endanger students or faculty.

The plan now moves to the state Senate for further consideration.

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