In 2026, the State of Michigan passed a new law requiring districts to have policies in place that limit student use of personal wireless communications devices during the school day.

Therefore, beginning August 2026, Bronson Community Schools is implementing new expectations for student wireless communications devices during the instructional day. Not only do these expectations align with the law, they are designed to support student engagement, reduce distractions, and help every student be fully present in the classroom.

Students will not be permitted to use personal wireless communications devices (legally defined as any electronic device capable of, but not limited to, text messaging, voice communication, entertainment, navigation, accessing the internet, sending and receiving photos and videos, or producing email) from the beginning to end of the school day.

Students who choose to bring their wireless communications device(s) to school must store them in their locker (if issued) or in their backpack (if no locker is assigned).

Students who violate this policy will have their devices confiscated and secured until the end of the school day. Additional violations or refusal to comply will result in a parent being required to pick up the device and/or the student being placed on a wireless communications device plan.

Students may not use Wireless Communications Devices on school grounds during school hours, except as otherwise provided in this Policy.

“Wireless Communications Device” is an electronic device capable of, but not limited to, text messaging, voice communication, entertainment, navigation, accessing the internet, sending and receiving photos and videos, or producing email.

“Instructional time” is defined as the start of the school day when instruction begins until dismissal at the end of the school day.

“School grounds” means a building, playing field, or property used for school purposes to impart instruction to children or used for functions and events sponsored by a school. School grounds does not include a building used primarily for adult education or college extension courses.

Students may use Wireless Communications Devices on school grounds during school hours, including during instructional time, if the Wireless Communications Device is:

• medically necessary for a student to monitor a health issue;

• required by a student’s Section 504 Plan or IEP;

• a District-owned device;

• designated by the District to be used for instructional purposes;

• permitted by a classroom teacher for lesson-specific academic assignments; or

• used during an emergency situation in accordance with the District’s emergency operations plan under Policy 3402, so long as it does not interfere with school emergency protocols or first responders or endanger students or staff.

Wireless Communications Devices must be stored in the student’s locker or other designated storage area during school hours if a student chooses to bring them to school, except as otherwise provided in this Policy. Students are personally and solely responsible for the security of their Wireless Communications Devices. The District is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage of any Wireless Communications Device.

Taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal photographs, video, audio, or other similar data, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (including via cell phone or other electronic device), may constitute a crime under state or federal law. A student engaged in any of these activities at school, at a school event, or on school-provided transportation, may be subject to discipline pursuant to this Policy and the student code of conduct. A student engaged in any of these activities outside of school may be disciplined if the student’s activities substantially disrupt the school environment.

School administrators and teachers may confiscate a student’s Wireless Communications Device if the student’s use or possession of the Wireless Communications Device violates this Policy, the student code of conduct, or any applicable building or classroom rule. The building principal or designee may require a meeting with the student’s Parent to discuss the rule violation before returning the Wireless Communications Device.

Students who violate this Policy are subject to corrective or disciplinary action, consistent with Policy and the student code of conduct.

Legal authority: MCL 380.1303a