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West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
New bipartisan state law limits student cellphone use in public schools
Students at public schools across Mason and Oceana counties begin the school year Tuesday, Sept. 8. When they return to class, a new state law restricting cellphone and other wireless-device use will be in effect.
Michigan Public Act 2 of 2026 requires public school districts and public school academies, commonly known as charter schools, to implement policies prohibiting students from using wireless communications devices on school grounds during instructional time.
The law originated as House Bill 4141 and received broad bipartisan support. It passed the Michigan House 99-10 and the Senate 34-1 before being signed by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Feb. 10.
The law does not apply to private, religious or parochial schools, although those schools may establish similar restrictions independently.
Under the law, a wireless communications device includes an electronic device capable of text messaging, voice communication, entertainment, navigation, internet access, email or sending and receiving photographs and videos. Smartphones and smartwatches fall within that definition. Basic telephones that cannot access internet platforms or support third-party applications are excluded.
The law allows exceptions for medically necessary devices, school-owned tablets and laptops, special-education accommodations, teacher-approved instructional assignments and emergency situations. School boards may adopt restrictions beyond the state requirements and must post their policies and enforcement procedures on their district websites.
Several area districts had already implemented similar policies before the state law was enacted.
“Mason County Central has instituted a policy very similar to Public Act 2 for two years,” Mason County Central School District Superintendent Jeff Tuka said. “So, in essence, we have been following this law before it became a law in the state of Michigan.”
Tuka said limiting personal devices helps students concentrate during classroom instruction. When digital materials are required for a lesson, students access them through school-issued devices.
“These devices are regulated with safety filters so that learning is the focus without the distraction of things like social media alerts,” he said.
Ludington Area School District also adopted wireless-device restrictions before the statewide requirement took effect.
“Ludington Schools took a more proactive approach in anticipation of the proposed legislation and implemented wireless communication device policies last year,” Superintendent Travis Walker said. “Our goal was to help our students, staff and families adapt prior to the law taking effect.”
Ludington High School Principal Steve Forsberg said the district’s decision was also influenced by research cited in Jonathan Haidt’s book, “The Anxious Generation,” which several members of the district’s leadership team read.
“That data, combined with clear research on how cellular devices impact student focus, cognition and classroom distractions, guided our decision-making,” Forsberg said. “Ultimately, we wanted to ensure our building culture aligned with best practices that prioritize authentic student learning.”
Pentwater School District Superintendent Craig Barter agreed with his counterparts.
“It is important to limit the distractions in the classrooms, and when they aren’t allowed to have them then the focus can be on academics,” Barter said. “We put it in our newsletter this summer, we are putting it in email, and we will be handing out something at our open house. It should not come as a shock to anyone.”
Hart Public School District Superintendent Brad Jacobs said the policy will require an adjustment for some students. The district has been communicating the plan to students and parents in an effort to lessen the surprise during the first weeks of school.
“Ultimately, I think it will be good for students and schools,” Jacobs said.
Hart Middle School has enforced a similar policy for several years, Jacobs said, so many students are already familiar with the expectations.
Shelby Public Schools Superintendent Mark Olmstead said the statewide requirements reinforce expectations that were already part of the district’s approach. He said returning to a structured school routine after summer may require an adjustment for some students.
“Our staff will emphasize the importance of having phones put away as needed,” Olmstead said. “Technology has a place in education, but it should be a tool rather than a constant presence like a smartphone.”
Olmstead said reading printed books and interacting directly with classmates continue to be important parts of learning.
“Our goal is not to eliminate technology from students’ lives, but to ensure it does not distract from opportunities to engage and interact in meaningful ways,” he said.
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