Cell Phone Management Protocol
Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 4141 and Senate Bill 495 on February 10, 2026. Collectively, this amends the Revised School Code, specifically MCL 380.1303a, to require a school district’s board of education to adopt protocols prohibiting students from using a wireless communications device during instructional time effective for the 2026-27 school year.
Wireless Communication Devices/Electronic Communication Devices
Devices include, but are not limited to: cellular phones, smartwatches, smartglasses, iPods/MP3 players, CD players, portable speakers, headphones (wired or wireless), earbuds (wired or wireless), all gaming devices (PSP, Nintendo, DS, etc.), other personal electronic devices, and any other internet-accessible communication devices.
Please use the links in the blue menu to learn about management protocols
associated with your student's school.
FAQs
Q) What if a parent needs to contact a student about an emergency?
- Parents are advised to contact the school's main office for urgent messages rather than texting their child directly.
(Q) How can a parent contact their child during the school day?
- A parent should call the school if they need to get a message to their student. School personnel will relay that message to the student. In an emergency, a student will be removed from class and directed to the nearest office.
(Q) How can a student contact their parent /guardian during the school day?
- A student who has an emergency and needs to contact their parent/guardian during the school day will be permitted to do so from the nearest office.
(Q) How will communications be managed in a school-wide emergency, will, students have access to their phone?
- In a school-wide emergency, the school will communicate with parents through our community messaging system using emails and SMS messaging.
(Q) What devices fall under the Wireless Communication Device Policy?
- Wireless Communication Devices/Electronic Communication Devices, include, but not limited to: cellular phones, smartwatches, smartglasses, iPods/MP3 players, CD players, portable speakers, headphones (wired or wireless), earbuds (wired or wireless), all gaming devices (PSP, Nintendo, DS, etc.), other personal electronic devices and any other internet-accessible communication devices.
Q) Can students have wireless communication devices on school campuses?
- Students can have cell phones and other wireless devices on school property, on school transportation, and during school activities. However, during instructional time, these devices must be turned off or set to airplane mode.
(Q) Can students have wireless communication devices on the school-provided transportation?
- Students can use their wireless devices on school buses to and from school because that is outside of instructional time. However, using their devices on school buses during field trips, which are part of instructional time, is prohibited.
(Q) Where do students keep their cell phones or wireless communication devices when not in use?
- Elementary students are encouraged to leave devices at home. Students found to be in possession of devices will turn them in to the office or designated area chosen by school staff.
- Middle School students may possess devices, but they must remain away for the day after the first instructional bell through to dismissal. Students may use personal electronic devices before the first Instructional bell and after dismissal, but not in classrooms, hallways, or lunchrooms, during school hours. Students in violation of this policy will turn in their devices to be returned at the end of the day. Parent pickup may be required following repeated offenses or student noncompliance/insubordination.
- High School students may possess devices, but they must remain away for the day after the first instructional bell through to dismissal. Students may use personal electronic devices before the first Instructional bell and after dismissal, but not in classrooms, hallways, or lunchrooms, during school hours. Students in violation of this policy will turn in their devices to be returned at the end of the day. Parent pickup may be required following repeated offenses or student noncompliance/insubordination.
(Q) Can students use earbuds or headphones on school campuses?
- Earbuds (wired or wireless), headphones (wired or wireless), and all portable speakers are prohibited whenever and wherever wireless electronic devices are prohibited.
(Q) Will accommodations be made to the Wireless Communication Device Policy for students with documented needs?
- Accommodations will be made for students requiring wireless communication devices in school in a manner that is specified in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, and for documented remote monitoring medical needs.
(Q) When will the confiscated devices be returned to students?
- Confiscated devices may be returned to the student at the end of the day or may require a parent/guardian pick up for repeated violations. Parents will be contacted if their child’s device has been confiscated.
(Q) What is the purpose of airplane mode?
- Airplane mode is an option offered to students in support of “Away for the Day” standard and prohibition on wireless connectivity. The district recommends that students power off devices as the surest way to support MCL 380.1303a.
(Q) Does the prohibition on wireless communication devices apply to teachers and staff as well as students?
- The legislation does not apply to teachers, but teachers are encouraged to model device usage and limit use to that which is essential and relevant to work.