Ohio Proposes Statewide Ban on Cell Phones in K–12 Schools

This week, the State of Ohio became the latest front in a growing national conversation about screen time, student focus, and the place of personal technology in education. On April 9, 2025, Senator Jane Timken introduced Senate Bill 158, legislation banning student cell phone use during the school day in all Ohio K–12 schools. Backed by Governor Mike DeWine, the proposal is one of the most aggressive state-level efforts yet to curtail the presence of smartphones in classrooms.

The bill, if passed, would require districts to prohibit cell phone use during instructional hours, allowing only for limited exceptions in cases of medical need or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Enforcement would be left to local districts, but compliance would be required by September 1, 2025.

Why Now? The Case for a Statewide Ban

Supporters of the bill argue that cell phones are increasingly becoming a source of distraction for students, detracting from their ability to focus on lessons and engage in meaningful educational experiences. Governor DeWine has highlighted the impact of constant notifications and social media on students’ attention spans, stating that the prevalence of smartphones in classrooms disrupts learning and hampers student development.

State Senator Jane Timken, who introduced the bill, pointed to studies showing that students in schools with cell phone restrictions tend to exhibit fewer behavioral issues and higher levels of engagement. Proponents of the bill believe that reducing screen time during school hours will create a more focused and productive learning environment.

Pushback and Concerns: Safety, Equity, and Digital Literacy

Despite the bill’s growing support, there has been significant opposition from parents, students, and educators. One of the main concerns is student safety—many parents fear that removing cell phones will leave their children without a means of communication in case of emergencies. With incidents of school shootings on the rise, parents have expressed concerns that students need access to their phones to stay informed and call for help if needed.

Moreover, educators and parents who oppose the bill argue that cell phones are valuable tools for fostering digital literacy. In today’s world, technology is central to nearly every career and academic pursuit. Banning phones entirely could deprive students of the opportunity to learn how to use technology responsibly and effectively as part of their education.

There are also concerns about the disproportionate impact on students with special needs. For some students, cell phones serve as essential tools for managing anxiety, accessing educational resources, or communicating with parents and teachers. Critics of the bill argue that a blanket ban fails to consider these individual needs and could lead to unintended consequences for vulnerable student populations.

A National Trend? Ohio Joins a Growing Movement

Ohio is far from the first state to grapple with this issue. Over the past few years, at least 20 other states have proposed or enacted legislation aimed at restricting or regulating student cell phone use in schools.

For example, in Florida, recent legislation has banned cell phones during instructional hours, requiring students to store their phones in designated areas. Similarly, Indiana has passed a law that gives schools the flexibility to limit phone use based on local needs.

• Florida’s HB 379 prohibits phones during instructional time and mandates students store them in designated areas.

• Indiana’s SB 185 gives districts broad authority to restrict wireless devices during class.

• California and New York have empowered local districts to make similar decisions, with many implementing building-wide bans or lockable phone pouches.

While Ohio’s proposal stands out in its scope—proposing a complete ban during the school day—it reflects a broader trend across the country. Many districts, particularly in states with large urban populations, have already adopted similar policies voluntarily or are considering similar legislation.

Finding a Middle Ground?

Some experts suggest that Ohio’s bill could be strengthened by considering alternative approaches that allow for controlled use of phones. These strategies might include:

• Designated phone storage areas during class, while allowing students to retrieve phones before or after school.

• Creating “green zones” and “red zones” within schools—areas where phone use is either permitted or restricted.

• Integrating digital citizenship education into the curriculum to teach students how to use technology responsibly and navigate the potential pitfalls of excessive screen time.

This “middle ground” approach might balance the need for greater focus in the classroom with the desire to prepare students for a world where technology plays an integral role in nearly every profession.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cell Phones in Schools

As Senate Bill 158 moves through the legislative process, Ohio’s education community is bracing for a decision that could set a significant precedent. The proposed law could dramatically alter the landscape of technology use in schools—particularly in terms of balancing digital access with student engagement.

Regardless of the bill’s outcome, the conversation about the role of technology in education is far from over. Whether or not Ohio passes this legislation, other states are likely to follow suit, each with their own approach to managing cell phone use in schools. The growing influence of personal technology in the classroom demands careful consideration of how to use it to enhance learning, not detract from it.

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