OHIO — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today his support for legislation aimed at banning the use of cell phones in public schools.
During a press conference, Governor DeWine endorsed Senate Bill 158, which would prohibit students from using cell phones during the school day.
Sponsored by Sen. Jane Timken (R-Jackson Township), the bill includes language introduced in the Governor’s executive budget and aims to reduce distractions in the classroom.
“It’s clear that we need to get cell phones out of our classrooms,” said Governor DeWine.
“The constant distraction of cell phones makes it nearly impossible for students to focus and learn. Not only do they negatively impact student performance, but they can also be harmful to kids’ mental and emotional health.”
The Governor also cited positive results in schools where phones have already been banned. “In schools that have already banned phones, we’ve heard from teachers, administrators, and parents who say the results have been remarkable.
Student engagement has improved. Grades are better. Socialization is improving,” he added. “It’s rare that one change can have such a positive difference. That’s why it’s time to make Ohio schools phone free.”
Senate Bill 158 would allow schools to prepare over the summer, ensuring they can implement the phone ban by the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
The bill includes exceptions for students using a cell phone as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or to monitor a health concern.
Senator Timken expressed her support for the bill, emphasizing the impact of phone distractions on learning.
“When phones are within reach, our children are constantly wondering, ‘What am I missing? What notification did I miss?’ This does not provide for a conducive learning environment, and also has damaging social effects,” she said.
“This legislation is a common-sense approach to unplug our children from the constant distractions that they have in the classroom. It will reduce those distractions and will facilitate the building of the interpersonal relationships that are so vital to human development.”
Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware) also voiced his support for the legislation, calling it a continuation of efforts to limit phone use in schools.
“This is something where Ohio is taking the lead,” he said. “We started the work last year with House Bill 250 to get cell phones out of our classrooms. I believe this is all a step in the right direction.”
Dr. John Marschhausen, Superintendent of Dublin City Schools, joined the Governor at the press conference, highlighting the success of phone-free schools.
“We’ve had near-unanimous support from our parents for banning cell phones from our schools,” he said. “As we’ve had meetings recently, our Business Advisory Council has talked about the importance of graduating students who can work and be successful without having a device in their hands.”
Dr. Marschhausen emphasized the collaborative effort required to ensure children’s safety in the digital age.
“This legislation also opens up conversations with moms and dads, with grandmas and grandpas, because what we do in school from 7:30 to 2:30 isn’t enough,” he said. “Making sure our students are safe on their phones takes all of us working together.”
The press conference also featured Tina Husted, former Second Lady of Ohio, who has been a staunch advocate for protecting children online.
As Second Lady, she supported Braden’s Law, which makes sexual extortion a felony offense in Ohio. Signed by Governor DeWine earlier this year, Braden’s Law takes effect on April 9, 2025.
Husted, who has worked extensively on online safety for children, shared her concerns about the dangers of social media and apps.
“Over 90% of people, including our children, are using smartphones. As a parent and an athletic coach, I have witnessed firsthand the dangers that online apps and social media can have to young children, as well as to developing teens,” she said.
To protect children, Husted recommended parental controls and limiting screen time to under three hours per day. She also encouraged parents to have open conversations with their children about online threats.
“There are also new apps being developed that parents can download that monitor a child’s phone usage for threats and send alerts when there is harmful or risky activity,” she added. “Most importantly, talk to your children. Make sure they know that they can come to you if they feel uncertain or threatened by anyone.”
