Anchor Bay schools are going cellphone-free this fall.

The district is planning to roll out a new “Away-for-the-Day” device policy at the start of the 2025-26 school year. Students will be required to put their personal electronic devices in their locker or cubbies at the start of the school day where it will remain until the final bell.

Officials said the goal of the policy is to minimize distractions in the classroom, encourage face-to-face interactions and enhance overall student engagement in learning.

“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,” school officials said in an announcement for the new requirements.

Key policy details include the following:

• Personal electronic devices must be turned off and stored out of sight in lockers or cubbies during school hours.

• The term “device” includes cellphones, personal laptops, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones and other wireless communication devices.

• The policy applies to all students, with legal exceptions for those covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Individualized Education Programs, Section 504 plans or students with documented medical needs.

According to the school district, benefits of a device-free policy include the following:

• Improved academic performance: fewer distractions lead to better focus, comprehension and engagement in learning.

• Enhanced social skills and face-to-face interaction: encourages stronger peer relationships and communication skills.

• Reduced cyberbullying and social pressure: limits exposure to online harassment and negative social media influences.

• Better mental health and reduced anxiety: reduces screen time, stress and fear of missing out from social media.

• Encourages responsibility and time management: helps students develop self-discipline and independence.

• Less classroom disruption: minimizes interruptions from notifications, calls and texting.

• Promotes physical activity and engagement in school life: encourages participation in extracurricular activities and real-world experiences.

“Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss this policy with their students and help ensure a smooth transition when the policy goes into effect,” officials said in the announcement.

School cellphone bans are growing in popularity across the United States. Last week, the Michigan House and Senate floated conflicting plans for how to address the use of cellphones in schools with one proposal aiming to ban the devices in elementary grades and another attempting to leave the matter up to individual districts. In March, a cellphone ban was implemented at Armada Middle School.

On Friday, state Rep. Doug Wozniak, R-Shelby Township, issued a statement in support of House Bill 4141, which aims to limit student cellphone use during school hours to promote better learning environments. The bill would require school districts across Michigan to adopt policies that restrict the use of wireless communication devices during class time, with tailored approaches for each grade level.

“Our kids should be focused on learning and preparing for the future — not distracted by the latest trends on social media,” Wozniak said. “This legislation encourages schools to monitor and manage cellphone use so students can stay engaged, attentive and on track academically.”

The proposed bill includes the following guidelines:

• Elementary schools would be required to prohibit students from possessing wireless communication devices on school grounds during the school day.

• Middle schools would ban phone use during instructional time, passing periods, lunch and recess.

• High schools would prohibit phone use specifically during instructional time.

“I want what every parent wants, which is for our students to succeed,” Wozniak said. “This is a smart step toward improving our classrooms and helping students reach their full potential.”

Studies have indicated the negative impact of cellphones in the classroom. A study by the University of Texas at Austin showed that the presence of smartphones in educational settings significantly diminishes students’ attention spans and cognitive functions.

A child’s use of cellphones has presented more than a few challenges for educators, not only as a distraction during learning time, but as a source of misinformation and threats that cause panic and anxiety. There are social psychologists who believe the rise in adolescent anxiety is also related to the pervasive use of cellphones and social media. In an opinion piece in The New York Times, former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people.