Michigan moves to limit the use of cell phones in the classroom

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- Governor Gretchen Whitmer gave her State of State Address this past week, laying out some things she would like to get accomplished in the mitten state.

One of the topics she talked about was mental and physical health, focusing in on cell phones in classrooms.

Whitmer says that access to phones has changed students' lives, stating that kids are on their phones almost constantly.

This is why she wants to pass bipartisan legislation to restrict the use of phones in the classroom, but some schools are already doing so.

"They're not allowed in classrooms. They've never been allowed in the elementary buildings K through five, and it's never been an issue. So it's all we're really talking six through 12. And I think it varied from year to year sometimes, and it varied on who the principal was, so consistently, I went to those principals and said that this is an issue for teachers. Are you guys willing to get behind this? The district will get behind this," stated Coloma Community School Superintendent Dave Ehlers.

Coloma Community Schools getting in front of the curve with limiting cell phones, as sometimes turning off the screen can relieve stress.

Ehlers continues, "A lot of research is really pointing to the screen time and the plugged in time and constantly scrolling through social media, the stress and the effects of it. I think some of us adults have seen it. I know I've now really limit myself on my cell phone at night, you know, I'll check a few things, and then I'm off of it because I feel better about myself. Just life in general."

And some educators state that it will also help the students learn, providing less distractions while they are teaching.