Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is advocating for a statewide ban on cell phones in public schools, a move that has ignited discussions about student safety and the role of technology in education. This proposal builds upon a state law enacted last year that mandated K-12 public schools in Ohio to implement policies restricting student device use within classrooms and other school areas. While the previous law provided districts with the flexibility to define the specifics of these restrictions, DeWine is now pushing for a uniform statewide policy that would prohibit cell phone use in schools, at least during school hours.

DeWine emphasized the urgency of this initiative, drawing a parallel to the recent state mandate that incorporated the science of reading curriculum, which focuses on enhancing literacy through phonics, phonetics, vocabulary, fluency, and writing. He argued that cell phones are significantly interfering with students' lives, warranting immediate action. Senate Bill 158, introduced by Senator Jane Timken, aims to ensure that schools align their existing policies to prohibit students from possessing or using their devices during instructional time, potentially as early as the next academic year.

Senator Timken highlighted the pervasive nature of digital distractions, noting that students receive an average of over 11 notifications per hour in the classroom. She contended that this constant stream of alerts leads to distraction and addiction, causing students to dwell on what they are missing online. DeWine echoed these concerns, stating that the proposed bill is intended to eliminate cell phones from Ohio schools "once and for all." He pointed out the addictive nature of screen time and emphasized that the hazards of cell phone use extend beyond mere distraction.

The governor cited studies consistently demonstrating that cell phone access during school hours negatively impacts student learning and academic performance. He also noted that since the implementation of his previous policy, schools have reported improvements in attendance and a decrease in discipline issues. School officials have indicated that banning cell phones has led to increased student engagement with educational content and improved grades. Additionally, they observed a reduction in bullying incidents, attributing this positive outcome to students' inability to use their cell phones for such purposes.