Senate passes bill banning student cell phone use during instructional time in public schools

The Ohio Senate on May 13 passed Substitute Senate Bill 158, which generally prohibits students from using cellular telephones during the instructional day in public schools.

Senator J.D. Timken, sponsor of the bill, told the Senate the measure is a “common sense approach to unplug our children from the constant flow of distractions during the vital school time” and said districts that restrict phones have reported improved classroom engagement and academic performance.

Senator Tina Ingram voiced support on the floor while emphasizing that the bill includes safeguards for students with medical needs and requires school districts to develop a plan for phone use during emergencies. Ingram said the bill does not strip districts of local control but rather creates statewide minimum standards while allowing districts to accommodate health monitoring through devices such as smart watches.

After debate and a roll-call vote, the Senate approved the bill 30 yeas and 2 nays. The bill’s title states it would amend sections of the Ohio Revised Code to prohibit student cellular telephone use in public schools; sponsors said the legislation allows for exceptions related to health and emergency communications and requires districts to prepare policies for implementation.

Supporters argued the ban will reduce in-class distractions, online bullying and anxiety tied to device use, while critics have raised concerns in other venues about enforcement and necessary classroom technology. The bill now advances to the next stage of the legislative process.