LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Phones must now be set to “Do Not Disturb” in Michigan classrooms.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation on Tuesday that bans students from using cellphones in class.

The legislation is designed to cut classroom distractions, boost student participation, and improve academic success.

Under the policy, students would be barred from using phones during class but could still access them between periods, for medical needs, or in emergency situations.

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State Representative Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester) sponsored the bill. He previously told the media that some school districts may not address the distraction on their own.

“Every single one of them has some kind of cell phone policy, it’s a question of implementation and enforcement,” Tisdel told reporters after Thursday’s vote. “If you start to enforce and get any parental push back, it can be very easy to say this is not a fight we want to pick today. And that’s why it’s necessary for a statewide standard.”

However, not all lawmakers thought the bill needed to be passed. State Senator Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton) voted against the legislation last month. She said, “While I agree that limiting cell phone use in schools can lead to positive educational outcomes, I don’t believe more laws are necessary. Many schools have already established their own phone policies at the local level without a government mandate.”