In February, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a law requiring all Michigan public school districts to implement a ban on smart phones in K-12 classrooms starting the 2026-2027 school year. The goal is to reduce classroom distractions, reduce cyberbullying, and improve student focus and mental health. Flip phones are permitted so parents can contact their children and school laptops will continue for digital learning.
At Clague, the reaction to the ban is a mix of support. Students will have to avoid putting phones in their backpacks and leave them at home. This rule specifically affects the individuals who contact their parents during emergencies (fire drill, lockdown, etc.) and check messages between classes. For some, the physical presence of the phone can affect the way they learn.
“I support the new rule, because I think you can be more focused on learning if your cell phone is not with you,” seventh grader Olivia Yim said. “If you can feel the phone, you would want to use it.”
Eighth grader Priyam Chowdhury agreed.
“I will feel more focused throughout the day,” Chowdhury said. “At first I might feel a little FOMO (fear of missing out), but I will get used to it. It will make a better environment for learning.”
Some students feel the ban won’t change their habits.
“I support it because it helps you lock in during class,” eighth grader Vihaan Sharma said. “Your phone shouldn’t be what distracts you from learning.”
Teachers feel like this rule will impact students’ ability to pay attention in class.
“I think it will have a positive effect as the fewer distractions students have in class, the more they can focus on the moment,” teacher Raleigh Woods said.
Eighth grader Jaeyoung Lee said she isn’t personally impacted by the rule because she rarely uses her phone in class. However, she said some of her friends might be affected. “For some people, having their phone with them just feels safer.”
Seventh grader Ardra Murali agrees.
“Since we already have rules about keeping phones off and out of sight, I don’t know if this will really change much,” Murali said.
As the 2026-2027 school year approaches, Clague students are forced to look up from their screens. Whether students are ready to trade their smartphones for flip phones, it’s time to put the phones away.
