DUBLIN, Ohio-Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 250 into law, aiming to reduce distractions caused by cell phones in schools. The bill requires districts to limit cell phone use in classrooms, with exceptions for health monitoring or educational purposes. The legislation emphasizes minimizing screen time to enhance educational development and protect students’ mental health.
Local school districts will create their own policies by July 2025. Some districts, like Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Akron Public Schools, have already implemented similar policies. Avon Lake School District plans to develop a policy following a recent incident where cell phones affected communication during an emergency lockdown.