COLUMBUS, Ohio-Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has approved a model policy aimed at reducing student cell phone use during school hours. The policy mandates that students keep their phones in secure places such as lockers or backpacks during restricted hours, with exceptions for documented educational or health purposes.
The initiative, supported by Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin, aims to improve academic engagement and social interaction by minimizing distractions from cell phones. HB 250, recently signed into law, requires all school districts to establish official cell phone usage policies, either by adopting the model policy or creating their own while adhering to HB 250’s guidelines. A toolkit with resources for administrators, teachers, parents, and students accompanies the model policy, providing guidance and strategies for promoting healthy behavior and reducing cell phone use outside of school. The initiative received bipartisan support in the Ohio General Assembly and is expected to be implemented by all schools by July 2025.
