If passed, Senate Bill 158 would ban cell phones in Ohio public schools with some exceptions. Lawmakers say it’s intended to cut down distractions.
PERRYSBURG, Ohio —
Ohio could be dialing out distractions in public schools as Senate Bill 158, if passed, would require schools to come up with a policy prohibiting phones in schools.
“I think cell phones for young people have created a significant number of problems, not just the learning distraction that we know that it is, but also the social and the anxiety issues that students have,” Perrysburg schools superintendent Tom Hosler said. “A lot of it is traced back to phones.”
Hosler said he doesn’t think the ban goes too far. Right now, Perrysburg High School is compliant with the latest law.
House Bill 250 was signed into law last year, requiring a policy to limit phone use. Students can have phones during passing and lunch periods, but have to check them in the classroom.
“When they go in the hallway, when they’re at their locker, they can have them out, so that would change that. We can’t see those anymore,” Hosler said.
The bill passed the Senate and is now in the House.
The current version does give some exceptions, such as if a phone is needed to monitor health concerns or if a phone is required for in-class learning.
“As taxpayers, if we as a society are putting together schools for the purposes of educating our children and preparing them for life, there’s just no reason for there to be that in schools, right?” John Marcgrodi, a local parent, said.
“I think the kids are getting too much screen time these days,” local mom Jennifer Tekkey said. “It’s too much distraction in the school for the teachers.”
But what happens if there is an emergency? According to the bill, schools must come up with a plan that addresses student use of phones during active threats.
“I understand that phones can be a huge distraction, especially in today’s age of social media, but I also understand that school shootings are a huge thing, so what do we do in that situation?” said Maumee resident Parminder Banga.
“I think that’s the school’s responsibility to get in touch with the parents, and sometimes that when parents get things, different messages, it just ramps up the panic,” Tekkey said.
State Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R, Bowling Green) is a co-sponsor of the bill.
In a statement to WTOL 11, she wrote:
“Current and previous generations of students are showing alarming negative mental health trends that studies have clearly linked to cell phone usage—particularly when social media applications are used. When students are in the classroom their focus should be on what they are learning. Period. I can’t comprehend a justifiable reason, let alone a benefit, for students to have access to or use their cell phones during instruction time. Senate Bill 158 is legislation I was proud to cosponsor and support for inclusion in the state’s budget, and I’m excited to see the obvious positive effects of the legislation in years to come.”
Gov. Mike DeWine has expressed his support for the bill. If passed, it could go into effect during the 2025-2026 school year.
