CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – On Tuesday, Governor Mike Dewine announced his support for a bill banning all students’ cell phones during the school day in Ohio. But some districts aren’t entirely sold on the idea.
“It’s time to finish the job. It’s time to ban cell phones in every Ohio school. Last year, I signed House Bill 250, which required schools to implement formal policies regarding cell phones,” said DeWine.
West Geauga Local Schools no longer allows elementary or middle school students to have cell phones during the school day. But high school students can have phones on silent and out of sight.
The school’s superintendent, Dr. Rich Markwardt, says if the governor’s cell phone ban in schools becomes law, the district will comply. But it won’t be easy to enforce, especially in high school, where the majority of students’ parents allow them to have phones.
“It’s tough to argue that a high school student can drive a car, and half of the seniors are old enough to be drafted, but they can’t be trusted to behave responsibly with a cellphone,” said Markwardt.
“Kids are focused in the classroom, lunchroom. It’s noisy once again. Kids are actually talking to each other,” said Dewine.
Meanwhile, Shaker Heights City School District put an ambitious cell phone policy in effect at the beginning of the school year. They say they’re seeing positive results.
In preschool through grade five, cell phones must be stored in backpacks. In grades 6 to 12, phones must be turned off and stored in a Yondr bag.
Scott Stephens, the district’s Executive Director of Communications and Engagement,says some parents of younger students have said the district’s policy has made them rethink their decision to buy their child a phone.
Braden’s Law went into effect on Monday, making sextortion a felony offense in Ohio.
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