Amid ongoing conversations about student focus and classroom distractions, Ohio lawmakers are considering new measures to regulate cellphone use in schools. These discussions reflect growing concerns among educators, parents, and policymakers about the impact of digital devices on learning environments. Earlier this month, Ohio Senator Jane Timken (R-Jackson Township) introduced Ohio Senate Bill 158. This bill requires every school district board of education to adopt a policy that bans all cellphone use by students during school hours. However, exceptions apply for students that rely on their phones and other electronic communication devices that are used for learning and/or for monitoring or addressing health concerns.
In support of this bill, Senator Timken testified that students are facing too many distractions that:
“Pull them in every direction, every second of the day, including in the classroom . . . the average student receives about 11 notifications per waking hour. That is one every five minutes, 192 per day.”
Governor Mike DeWine voiced his support for the bill during a press conference held on April 8, 2025. He noted that in schools where phones are already banned, “student engagement has improved. Grades are better. Socialization is improving. . . that’s why it’s time to make Ohio schools phone free.” He emphasized the importance of creating learning environments where students can concentrate without the constant pull of technology.
Senate Bill 158 is currently being heard in the Ohio Senate’s Education Committee. If it becomes law, the statewide phone ban would be in effect as soon as September 1, 2025. As the bill moves through the legislative process, educators and school administrators are watching closely to assess how implementation could look at the local level.
What Does This Mean?
For our readers, here are the key takeaways:
For Students:
- Barring special cases for learning or health concerns, Ohio public school students will not be able to use their phones during school hours under this bill.
For Schools:
- School districts across Ohio will need to adopt and enforce policies aligning with the bill’s provisions, which could result in significant changes to how schools handle student technology use during the school day.
If you have questions about this or what it could mean for the future, please reach out to KJK’s Litigation attorneys, Dan Matusicky (DJM@kjk.com; 216.736.7231) or Daniel Walsh (DJW@kjk.com; 614.427.5744).