NOTHVILLE, Michigan. – Should cell phones be allowed in the classroom? A school district in metro Detroit has decided that they shouldn’t be and is banning smartphones entirely.

Northville Public Schools was the first to notice elementary school students being distracted by their smartwatches. While technology allows parents to communicate with their children, teachers struggle to keep them focused in class. For middle school students, the distractions were often social media.

Superintendent Dr. RJ Webber said they are trying to protect their students from platforms that are intentionally designed to exploit dopamine responses through repeated use.

That’s why Norville Public Schools has made changes for the 2024-25 school year. The new policy requires students in grades K-8 to turn off their cell phones and smart watches and keep them in their cubbyhole or locker.

“My hope for this policy is that it will create an awakening in our own country and in the world that schools cannot be the only place that can monitor or influence aspects such as cell phones and social media,” Webber said.

The new cell phone rule affects about 4,000 students who attend elementary and middle schools in Northville. It does not currently apply to high school students.

In the event of an emergency, Webber said there are still ways for parents to contact their children and the district’s safety protocols will ensure the safety of students.

You can read the new Personal Electronic Devices Policy here.