Senate Passes Bill to Limit Student Cell Phone Use in Ohio Schools
In a bipartisan 30-2 vote, the Ohio Senate has passed Senate Bill 158, a measure that would generally ban student cell phone use during instructional time in public and charter schools. The bill now moves to the Ohio House for consideration.
While private schools are exempt, SB 158 requires public and charter schools to restrict phones during class, with exceptions for students whose education plans or health conditions require specific technologies. Schools must allow cell phone use if it’s medically necessary and supported by a doctor’s note. Each school must also include cell phone protocols in its emergency management plans.
If enacted, schools would need to update their policies by September 1, aligning with the start of the new school year.
State Senator Jane Timken, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is a “common-sense approach” to curb distractions and help students re-engage socially and academically. “Kids are returning to real, face-to-face conversations and relationships,” she noted, referencing schools that already limit phone use.
This bill follows another DeWine-signed law from last year requiring school boards to establish phone policies. Governor Mike DeWine has urged the legislature to go further, citing anecdotal evidence that reduced phone use improves mental health, academic performance, and social skills among students.
With growing concern over the impact of constant digital distractions in schools, SB 158 marks a significant step in Ohio’s effort to refocus students’ attention on learning and real-world interaction.
