After months of discussion about how to balance student safety, learning, and the challenges of technology in schools, the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education on August 12 approved a new districtwide policy governing student cell phone and personal electronic device use. The new policy is in compliance with Michigan’s statewide classroom smartphone ban (House Bill 4141 and Senate Bill 495). The AAPS policy will take effect during the 2026-27 school year.
The new rules create different expectations depending on students’ grade levels, recognizing that a kindergartner’s needs are different from those of a high school senior.
Here’s what the new policy requires
Elementary School (K-5)
- Cell phones and personal electronic devices must be turned off or silenced.
- Devices must be stored in a backpack or locker throughout the school day.
- Students may not use them during the school day unless an exception applies.
Middle School (6-8)
- The same rules apply as elementary schools.
- Phones must remain off or silenced and out of sight in backpacks or lockers for the entire school day.
High School (9-12)
- Students may not use phones during instructional time unless a teacher specifically authorizes their use for educational purposes.
- Students may use phones during non-instructional times, such as passing periods and lunch.
Different rules for different ages
For elementary and middle school students, cell phones and personal electronic devices must be turned off or silenced and stored away during the school day. Devices should remain in backpacks or lockers and should not be visible or used unless an approved exception applies.
RELATED: The Cell Phone Debate in Schools: Policy, Practice and Perspectives
For high school students, the policy takes a more flexible approach. Students may use phones during non-instructional times, such as passing periods and lunch, but phones may not be used during instructional time unless a teacher specifically allows them for educational purposes.
The policy also allows for exceptions, including situations involving medical needs, accommodations, or teacher-directed learning activities.
Finding a balance at the high school level
Superintendent Jazz Parks said the district’s approach for high schools came from conversations with students, staff and community members about what would be realistic to enforce.
“After working with them and then, in turn, working with the staff and students that they spoke with, the recommendation was for the instructional time policy for high school,” Parks said during the board discussion.
Rather than adopting a complete “bell-to-bell” phone ban at all grade levels, AAPS chose a policy that focuses on minimizing distractions during classroom instruction while allowing older students some responsibility and independence outside the classroom.
Responding to a changing technology landscape
The policy comes as schools across Michigan and the nation are examining the impact of smartphones on student attention, classroom engagement and social interaction. Michigan law now requires districts to restrict wireless communication device use during instructional time, while allowing districts to establish additional limits if they choose.
Before approving the policy, AAPS spent months reviewing possible approaches. Community members offered differing perspectives, with some parents advocating for stricter limits throughout the school day and others emphasizing the importance of allowing students access to phones for communication and emergencies.
Exceptions
As with most school phone policies, exceptions are expected for:
- Medical needs.
- Documented accommodations (such as IEPs or 504 Plans).
- Teacher-directed educational activities.
What families can expect
For families, the biggest change will be creating consistent expectations across AAPS schools. Previously, phone rules varied by building, leaving students and parents with different guidelines depending on the school.
Parents may want to talk with their children before the school year begins about the new expectations, including when phones should be stored away, how to communicate during the school day, and how teachers may use technology as part of instruction.
Parks said the district plans to evaluate the policy in the future to determine whether adjustments are needed.
As smartphones continue to play a major role in children’s daily lives, AAPS families will now begin navigating a new districtwide approach designed to keep classrooms focused while acknowledging the realities of modern communication.
Jennifer Oldham commented on August 12 that she was disappointed that a bell to bell ban (with reasonable exceptions) was not extended to high schools.
“With the bell to bell ban, students pay attention to her (a New York teacher) again, they can listen and take on hard projects again, their attention spans are growing,” Oldham said.
