On Feb. 10, 2026, a new Michigan law banning phones in classrooms was passed. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is enforcing that schools limit the use of cell phones during instructional activity in grades K-12 this fall. She argues that students are “losing their attention spans to apps that are designed to keep you scrolling” and teachers are “struggling to keep the class engaged while competing against social media” (WWMT.com). Whitmer is pointing out that education should not be affected by the overuse of distracting devices and media in the classroom. This law is put in place to create stronger connections between student relationships and student learning.
The National Bureau of Economic Research conducted a study that resulted in a positive test score growth of 1.1% after two years of implementing a student cell phone ban. These results encourage school districts to implement laws banning cell phones in learning environments.
What Does this Mean For Berkley?
Currently, Berkley’s policy over the past few years has become based on teacher preference.
“I would say now, 80% of the building has been collecting phones during instruction,” states Principal Andrew Meloche. As a result, he notices “fewer issues with phones, which naturally brings up engagement in the classroom.”
As questions arise regarding the impact of this new law on Berkley High School, Mr. Meloche said, “As for plans for the fall, there has been no district policy developed yet.”
Mr. Meloche predicts that next school year, changes are “going to look like the classes that already have students put their phones up at the beginning of class,” and this law may “force the hand” of the few current classes that do allow phones in some capacity. Students should anticipate that all teachers will be required to collect phones at the start of class.
The ultimate goal for these phone limitations, in Mr. Meloche’s eyes, is to teach students that socialization does not only come from a device.
“It would be cool if kids would use their phones less, and when they do, they would realize that they would enjoy it more. Life goes on past social media,” Meloche continues, “It would also be cool seeing fewer phones at lunch or passing time as well. But I understand, those are individual choices people have to make for each other and figure out as well.”
This perspective was influenced by the book ‘The Anxious Generation’ by Jonathan Haidt. About three to four years ago, most BHS teachers read this book. Mr. Meloche summarizes the book as it “talks a lot about the addictive nature of cell phones and how they impede students’ learning while their brains are developing.”
Mr. Meloche’s view of phone restrictions is represented in this book when Haidt wrote, “ ”
With this view, phones obstruct not only the educational aspect of school, but also the social interactions between students. By restricting phone usage in classrooms, schools not only have the chance to increase academic comprehension, but also encourage better communication skills and social connections between classmates. Ultimately, this policy is looking to create a balance between human interaction and technology use as it becomes more involved in everyday life.
Michigan’s new phone ban aims to improve learning and develop real social connections. At Berkley, it may formalize current practices while helping students focus, engage, and interact without screens. The law seeks to balance technology use with human connection, benefiting both academics and social growth.
