A school district in Metro Detroit has announced a “cellphone free” policy for all students.
Starting in the fall of 2025, the Anchor Bay School District will implement its “away for the day” device policy. The policy will be in place for all students in the district.
Cellphones, personal laptops, smartwatches, ear buds, headphones, and other wireless communication devices are included.
These devices will have to be turned off and stored out of sight in lockers or cubbies during school hours.
“The district’s goal with this policy is to minimize distractions in the classroom, encourage face-to-face interactions, and enhance overall student engagement in learning,” a release from the district says. “By eliminating the presence of personal electronic devices during the school day, Anchor Bay Schools aims to foster a more focused and interactive educational environment.”
Legal exceptions can be made for students covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, Individualized Education Programs, Section 504 Plans, or those with documented medical needs.
The district said parents and guardians should talk about the policy with their students to help with a smooth transition.
Anchor Bay School District Superintendent Phil Jankowski released the following statement about the policy:
“The purpose of this policy is to reduce classroom distractions and foster a more interactive educational and social environment. One of our middle schools has already implemented this policy with great success—students are engaging more with one another during passing time and lunch. Parents can still communicate with their children before and after school or by contacting the main office during school hours. Our classrooms are still equipped with landlines.
Anchor Bay has been at the forefront of campus safety, staffing armed security officers at each building. In the event of a security incident, first responders and school staff will direct students to designated reunification locations. To ensure everyone’s safety, it is important that students refrain from using their cell phones during such events, as this could interfere with the work of emergency personnel by spreading incorrect information and overwhelming local cell towers.
We’ve received strong support from the majority of parents for our efforts to reduce classroom disruptions caused by cell phones. The goal of the policy is to mitigate the negative effects of cell phone overuse. If a student brings a phone to class, teachers will first instruct them to place it in their locker and will notify parents. On a second offense, the student will be required to pick up their phone from the office after school. A third infraction will require a parent to retrieve the phone from the office. Continued violations of the policy may result in escalating consequences, including in-school and out-of-school suspension.
This initiative aligns with the direction the state is moving in, and several other school districts have already implemented similar policies with positive results. We recognize that this may represent a transition for families, but we are confident that it will significantly enhance the overall school environment. By reducing cell phone use during the school day, we aim to foster a more socially engaged student body—encouraging students to be more present, interact with one another, and connect more deeply with their surroundings and learning."
Phil Jankowski, Anchor Bay School District Superintendent
