What are peoples' reactions to the phone ban?

In Feb. 2025, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed two partisan bills to eliminate distractions in the classrooms by limiting phone use. This bill applies to many school districts in Michigan, including but not limited to  Lansing Public Schools, Jackson Public Schools, Howell Public Schools, Webberville Public Schools, Waverly Community Schools, Grand Ledge Public Schools, Lakeview Public Schools, and Charlotte Public Schools.

The phone ban for LHS (Lakeview High School) includes that students are prohibited from using devices such as cell phones, headphones, earbuds, or any other personal electronic device anywhere else except the lunchroom unless you have a pass to do so.

 It hurt me greatly. What if my grandpa was dying and I couldn't contact him to see if he was ok?¨ Sophomore Braylen Davis said.

   Students' opinions on the matter are mostly mixed, with it being bad and they should change it.

¨I don't really like it but I have to deal with it,¨ Sophomore Michael Sims stated.

   Teachers' reviews were much different than the students'. Most teachers have positive reviews on the ban and say it was good for the students to help them learn.

Art teacher Katherine Schuur stated, ¨I’m loving it this year; I feel like students are more focused and engaged in class¨

   Students were asked what they would do to change it if they could, and the results were that they would reduce it.

   Davis said,  ¨With actual meanings and reasoning to take the phone and not just taking it for seeing it.” 

   Sims said, ¨I would get rid of it in the hallways.¨

   Teachers are mostly the opposite of students.

Schuur said, ¨I don't think any changes need to happen right now.¨

   For right now, the phone ban will be in place for the rest of the year and will be changed over the years.