COLUMBUS, Ohio-House Bill 485, proposed by two state lawmakers, seeks to mandate internet safety policies in Ohio’s public middle and high schools, including restrictions on social media use and a ban on TikTok. The bill also aims to limit phone use during the academic day, allowing devices only for educational purposes or emergencies.
Governor Mike DeWine expressed support for schoolwide phone ban policies during his State of the State address, emphasizing the need for consistent rules across classrooms. However, he previously expressed hesitancy about a statewide mandate, preferring schools to make individual decisions. Some districts, like Dublin City Schools, have already implemented phone-free policies in middle schools and restricted phone usage in high schools, leading to positive outcomes in student engagement. DeWine awaits legislative action on the issue.
