ALEC Policy Champion Addresses Classroom Distractions by Limiting Student Cell Phone Use in Schools

ALEC is proud to recognize Michigan Rep. Mark Tisdel and colleagues across the Michigan Legislature for their achievement in enacting HB 4141 (Public Act 2 of 2026), which aims to address classroom distractions by limiting student use of personal cell phones and smart devices in K-12 schools.

In recent years, state legislators and local officials have increasingly prioritized policy solutions that protect the online safety and well-being of students, particularly the impacts of smart devices and social media on student learning in the classroom setting. As of February 2026, at least 40 states have enacted new laws, executive orders, or regulations that direct public school entities to ban or otherwise restrict the use of cell phones by students in K–12 classrooms.

HB 4141 takes cues from the ALEC model policy Limiting Student Use of Cell Phones in K-12 Classrooms, which establishes a minimum statewide policy prohibiting the use of connected devices during instructional time. This principled approach, one of our Essential Policy Solutions for 2026, empowers teachers and administrators to address classroom distractions that hinder learning outcomes, while leaving local school districts the flexibility to pursue a stricter policy—such as a bell-to-bell ban—that is tailored to the needs of individual communities if necessary.

Recognizing the need for personal student devices in certain situations, Michigan’s approach provides for common-sense exceptions, including medically necessary devices (such as a continuous glucose monitoring system), devices designated by the district to be used for instructional purposes in the classroom, and devices used for special education or provided as an accommodation under an individualized education plan (IEP).

Legislators also used a procedural mechanism known as the “tie-bar” to condition HB 4141 with the passage of a related measure, SB 495 (Public Act 1 of 2026), which requires school districts to develop an emergency operations plan with a protocol for when and how pupils are permitted to use wireless communications devices. This will help ensure that there is a thorough communications and reunification procedure in place, which is a common concern shared by parents and caregivers hoping to get in touch with their students during a crisis.

ALEC commends Rep. Tisdel, House Speaker Matt Hall, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for this important accomplishment. See below for more ALEC resources on bringing this essential policy and more ideas to protect children online in your state.

ALEC Model Policy:

Limiting Student Use of Cell Phones in K-12 Classrooms

Statement of Principles for Teen Use of Social Media

For continued reading:

ALEC In the News: Michigan’s Approach to Smartphones in Schools: Media Highlights

ALEC Commentary: Michigan Lawmakers Advance Responsible, Flexible Approach to Limiting Cell Phone Use in Schools

ALEC Commentary: NAEP Scores Signal Urgent Need for Change in American Education