Metro Detroit school districts decide how to implement cellphone ban

Many school districts in Metro Detroit have kicked off the school year this week, and they will have to decide how to implement a new statewide ban on smartphones in classrooms.

Michigan’s new law requires every school district to have a policy banning cellphone use during class time — and it doesn’t stop there.

AirPods, Apple Watches, and any device that can access wireless internet is also included.

But not every district is handling it the same way. Some are letting students keep their phones in their lockers to use only before and after school. Others are taking it a step further, banning phones from school property entirely.

Local 4 spoke with school officials across the region to see how they plan to implement the ban during the 2026-27 school year.