Ohio Senate passes bill to limit cellphone use in schools

The Ohio Senate voted Wednesday to require public schools to limit cellphone use in the classroom.

The amendment requires that schools create a policy limiting cellphone use as much as possible during school hours and reducing cellphone distractions. The amendment requires the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to create a model policy for schools to adopt if they choose not to create their own.

There are exceptions for cellphone use if a phone is being used as a learning tool, to monitor a student's health condition or needed for a student's individualized education program.

Limiting cellphone use in K-12 schools has been a priority for Gov. Mike Dewine, who originally said he wanted restrictions to be decided at the district level. Dewine called for legislation to minimize students' use of cellphones in the classroom during his State of the State address on April 10.

On Tuesday, the Ohio Senate Education Committee added an amendment about school cellphone policy to House Bill 250, which would create new ways for students to earn the military enlistment seals on diplomas.

Sen. Andrew Brenner, R-powell, said the bill will help mitigate classroom distractions and learning loss.

The bill now heads back to the House for approval. If approved by the House and the governor, the law would take effect July 1, 2025.

Erin Glynn is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.