Dept. of Educ. and Workforce Releases Ohio Schools Cellphone Policy

On May 15, 2024, Governor DeWine signed HB 250 that calls for every school district in the state to establish an official policy governing student cell phone usage and emphasizes limiting cell phones to the greatest extent possible. The policy must be adopted no later than July 1, 2025, and must include the following:

  1. Emphasize that student cellular telephone use be as limited as possible during school hours;

  2. Reduce cellular telephone-related distractions in classroom settings; and

  3. If determined appropriate by the district board, or if included in a student's IEP or 504 Plan, permit students to use cellular telephones or other electronic communications devices for student learning or to monitor or address a health concern.

HB 250 directs the Department of Education and Workforce to develop a model policy that meets the above requirements to be used at the option of school districts. The model policy must take into account available research concerning the effect of the use of cellular telephones by students in school settings.

A copy of the Department’s Model Policy was released May 29, 2024, which includes a prohibition against students using cell phones on school property during school hours (with exceptions for individualized learning and/or a health concern(s)). This is not to say students cannot bring a cell phone to school, as the Model Policy provides for cell storage in a secure place, such as the student’s locker, closed backpack, or storage device provided by the district. According to the model policy, cell phones must be secured at all times during the school day.

The Model Policy also includes steps of progressive discipline should a student violate the policy.

Again, while school districts are required to adopt a cell phone policy that includes the requirements stated above/mandated by HB 250, they do not have to adopt the Department’s Model Policy.

Along with the model policy, DEW has also published a toolkit with resources and tools for school administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Specifically, the toolkit includes guidance to support school engagement without cell phones, as well as strategies for families to promote healthy behavior, set expectations for screen time, and reduce cell phone use outside of school.