Safer Children, Smarter Classrooms: Ohio Schools See Higher Student Participation After Phone Ban

For thousands of children across Ohio, the school day now looks very different — and educators say the change is paying off. With the state’s new cellphone ban in effect, students are spending less time on screens and more time engaging, learning, and connecting in the classroom.

Ohio’s statewide policy, which took effect at the start of the year, gives school districts the authority to restrict cellphone use during the school day. The goal is simple but powerful: protect children’s ability to focus, learn, and develop in a healthy school environment, free from constant digital distractions and social media pressure.

Cincinnati Public Schools became one of the first large districts to act, rolling out cellphone restrictions months before the state mandate. Students now place their phones into magnetically locked Yondr pouches when they arrive at school, keeping devices with them but inaccessible until the end of the day unless approved for learning purposes.

Parents and teachers say the early results are striking.

Supporters of the ban point to growing evidence that reduced phone use improves children’s concentration, mental well-being, and social interaction. A recent survey by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 77 percent of U.S. public schools already prohibit cellphone use during class, reflecting a nationwide shift toward distraction-free learning.

Teachers in Cincinnati report noticeable changes since the policy began. Classrooms have become more interactive, with students showing greater participation, stronger collaboration, and improved communication skills.

“We’ve seen more eye contact, better discussions, and better participation from students,” said Clayton Adams, vice president of the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers. “They’re more likely to take notes, ask questions, and engage when screens aren’t competing for their attention.”

Parents initially expressed concern about safety and communication, particularly in emergencies. School leaders say systems are in place to ensure families are contacted quickly when needed, and many parents now say the benefits outweigh the worries.

For families like Kimberlee Erdman-Rohr’s, whose daughter carries an EpiPen for allergies, the adjustment required trust — but the outcome has been positive.

“These children have grown up with technology,” she said. “They’ve shown they’re resilient, adaptable, and smart. They can handle being off their devices for a school day.”

Experts say the policy aligns with children’s right to development and quality education. Reducing constant digital exposure during school hours can help protect mental health, limit cyberbullying, and create space for deeper learning and social growth.

The cellphone ban is part of a broader set of education reforms taking effect across Ohio this year, including expanded safety instruction and new guidelines on artificial intelligence in schools. Together, supporters say, the changes reflect a growing commitment to putting children’s well-being, learning, and long-term development first.

As more districts watch Cincinnati’s early results, Ohio’s approach may offer a powerful lesson: sometimes, helping children thrive means simply giving them the space to focus, connect, and learn — without a phone in their hands.