Ohio Lawmakers Propose Banning Social Media, Phones and Computers in Class

Source: ohiocapitaljournal.com

Ohio Republicans have proposed a bill, House Bill 486, aimed at improving education and emotional well-being by requiring public schools to ban social media and prohibit student use of electronics during class. State Rep. Tom Young is a key advocate, expressing concerns about the negative impacts of social media on children, citing privacy and mental health issues. The bill mandates internet safety policies, courses on social media’s negative effects, and blocks social media sites on school Wi-Fi. Concerns raised include local control, funding, and a lack of health education standards in Ohio. Despite the bill targeting TikTok, it faces pushback from the company and potential legal challenges. Additionally, there’s a separate proposal for age verification for pornography. Governor Mike DeWine supports the bill, emphasizing the benefits of reducing smartphone use in schools.

Key Highlights:

1. Purpose: Promoting education and emotional well-being by banning social media and electronics in class.
2. Sponsor: State Rep. Tom Young, motivated by concerns about social media’s negative impact.
3. Policy Mandates: Internet safety policies, social media courses, and blocking social media sites on school Wi-Fi.
4. Concerns: Raised about local control, funding, and lack of health education standards in Ohio.
5. TikTok Focus: Bill targets TikTok, facing pushback and potential legal challenges.
6. Separate Proposal: Age verification for pornography is also under consideration.
7. Governor Support: Governor DeWine backs the bill, highlighting the benefits of reducing smartphone use in schools.

Read more about this story here: https://ohio.childreninfobank.com/safebank/proposed-ohio-bill-would-ban-tiktok-cell-phone-use-in-classrooms/

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