Public schools must implement policies regarding cell phone use during school hours

Video of previous coverage of Springfield's Yondl Pouch purchase

Dayton, Ohio (WDTN) — Signed by Governor Mike DeWine House Bill 250 It was enacted into law and required school districts to develop guidelines regarding cell phone use during school hours.

The Ohio Senate and House of Representatives unanimously passed the bill.

Mr. DeWine was joined by Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, State Senator Andrew Brenner, State Representative Tracy Richardson, and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted. Dr. John Marshhausen of Culler Junior High School, Dublin City Schools, attended the bill signing on Wednesday, May 15th.

The news follows a trend adopted by several school districts in the Miami Valley to limit access to devices in classrooms. Springfield recently approved her $124,250 spending on Yondr pouches to “lock” the devices of students from seventh grade through her 12th grade.

The commitment to cell phones in House Bill 250 has been praised by the Ohio Education Association (OEA), which recently adopted a resolution to reduce electronic devices in the classroom.

An OEA spokesperson issued a statement that read in part:

“Educators across the state have learned that unrestricted cell phone use in schools poses challenges to student learning and well-being, especially when they have had to enforce inconsistent rules from classroom to classroom. I have seen it with my own eyes.”

This sentiment was echoed by Fairborn City Schools Assistant Superintendent Amy Gayhart. Last summer, Fairborn purchased a Yondr pouch to help deal with social media and texting issues.

Gayhart said the data speaks for itself about the impact of cell phone restrictions. Reports of harassment, fights, being late to class and other problems have decreased, she said.

“Student behavior is improving across the board,” Gayhart said. “For the most part, there is little pushback from students and parents.”

Schools must adopt policies for the 2025-26 school year by July 2025.

https://www.wdtn.com/as-seen-on-2-news/public-schools-must-adopt-cellphone-usage-policies-during-school-hours/ Public schools must implement policies regarding cell phone use during school hours