April 12, 2025
By Rachel Scofield

On April 8, Governor Mike DeWine held a press conference supporting Senate Bill 158, introduced by Sen. Jane Timken. The proposed legislation aims to ban student cell phone use during the school day in public schools across Ohio, citing academic distractions and concerns about mental health.

“It’s clear that we need to get cell phones out of our classrooms,” said Governor DeWine. “The constant distraction of cell phones makes it nearly impossible for students to focus and learn. Not only do they negatively impact student performance, but they can also be harmful to kids’ mental and emotional health.”

“In schools that have already banned phones, we’ve heard from teachers, administrators, and parents who say the results have been remarkable. Student engagement has improved. Grades are better. Socialization is improving,” added Governor DeWine. “It’s rare that one change can have such a positive difference. That’s why it’s time to make Ohio schools phone free.”

SB 158 will expedite the implementation process – allowing schools time over the summer to update their policies to prohibit student use of cell phones in time for the start of the 2025-2026 school year this fall.

The bill includes exceptions for students using a cell phone for a documented purpose as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or for monitoring a health concern.

“When phones are within reach, our children are constantly wondering, ‘What am I missing? What notification did I miss?’ This does not provide for a conducive learning environment, and also has damaging social effects,” said Sen. Timken.

“This legislation is a commonsense approach to unplug our children from the constant distractions that they have in the classroom. It will reduce those distractions and will facilitate the building of the interpersonal relationships that are so vital to human development.”

“This is something where Ohio is taking the lead,” said Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware), who worked on legislation last year requiring schools to implement policies regarding the use of cell phones.  “We started the work last year with House Bill 250 to get cell phones out of our classrooms. I believe this is all a step in the right direction.”

🔍 What’s in Senate Bill 158?

• Ban on student use of cell phones during the instructional day (with exceptions).
• Local school boards must adopt their own policy by September 1, 2025.
• Exceptions may be allowed:
  • For educational purposes, if deemed appropriate by the district.
  • For students with an IEP or 504 Plan who need a device for health or learning support.

🏫 How Does This Affect Pickerington Schools?

Regarding the proposed legislation, Pickerington Schools issued the following statement:

“The District’s current Board Policy regarding Personal Communication Devices is fully aligned with the Governor’s existing law. As of now, Ohio House Bill 158 is still a proposal and has not been enacted. Should it pass, the Board will conduct a thorough review of our existing policy to determine if any changes are necessary to ensure compliance.”

Pickerington’s current Board Policy 5136 already places strict limits on the use of personal communication devices (PCDs), including phones, smartwatches, tablets, and more:

• Grades 7–12: May use PCDs before/after school, during lunch, and between classes if not disruptive. Otherwise, devices must be powered off and out of sight.
• Grades PreK–6: May only use PCDs before and after school.
• Recording or photographing others without permission is strictly prohibited.
• Using devices for harassment, cheating, sexting, or bullying can lead to disciplinary or legal consequences.
• PCD use during tests or in private areas (bathrooms, locker rooms) is not allowed.
• Violations may result in confiscation, discipline, or referral to law enforcement.
• Students are personally responsible for their devices. The school is not liable for loss, damage, or theft.