Since 1988 Michigan students have been prohibited from carrying electronic devices including pagers, cell phones or other communication devices. The primary reason for the ban, as specified in the state’s school code, was the use of these devices with drug dealers.
However, following a continual need for school safety and parental communication, lawmakers will soon be considering a bill to allow limited use of these devices in emergency situations. The new law, which will go to the full House after passing the Education Committee last week, would provide school districts more flexibility for students to carry the devices.
‘The ever increasing use of cell phones and other communication devices poses a significant quandary for schools,? said Ruth Johnson (R-Holly), who co-sponsored the bill and supports the measure on the grounds parents will have a connection with their children during the school day. ‘The devices can be a disturbance, but also are a vital communication link, especially in an emergency. This measure gives parents a voice and allows school districts to make the choice that best fits the district.?
Johnson, along with other lawmakers will debate House Bill 4218 which provides districts the ability to opt out and allow use of electronic devices at their discretion.
‘We’ll review the cell phone issue when it comes up, then work with the parents and students on what’s best for everyone,? said Al Martus, Goodrich Schools assistant principal. ‘But phones and other devices are very disruptive and the schools just can’t be responsible for that kind of property.?
Currently, cell phones and other electronic devices are totally banned from Goodrich classrooms, and like other schools they enforce the rule. However, school officials will work with students when a parent needs to contact a student during class hours, added Martus.
Similar rules apply to Brandon School District. Students who attempt to carry a communication device into schools except for health reasons, face detention.
‘When the original law was passed we did not have cell phones like we do today,? said Bart Jenniches, Brandon Schools Superintendent.
‘Today the cell phones are as common as the computer yet we won’t change the ban on phones.?
‘I could see the question being raised, however, there’s no reason to have a cell phone at school. Students calling students is unnecessary and classroom is not the place for that.?
Jenniches added that each classroom is equipped with telephones to call the office in case of emergency.
‘We’ll just have to weigh the whole thing, including exploring possible emergancy situations.?