Cleveland, Ohio-Ohio House Bill 485, sponsored by State Representative Tom Young, aims to prohibit electronic devices, cell phones, and social media use in Ohio classrooms. It mandates each school district to establish its own policy regarding this ban, with exceptions allowed for emergency or healthcare situations. Young emphasized the negative impact of social media on K-12 students, citing concerns about bullying and mental health issues. Governor Mike DeWine has also expressed similar concerns.
Some districts, like Parma, already have limited cell phone use, with measures like locking phones in safes during school hours. The bill also requires schools to adopt internet safety policies and prohibit the use of TikTok on school grounds. Young claims to have received no pushback from students regarding the bill and anticipates resistance from social media companies. The bill is pending committee assignment.
