Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has expressed support for a Senate-approved bill aimed at restricting student cell phone use during school hours, suggesting it would reduce distractions and improve student well-being.

"I commend the Ohio Senate for passing Senate Bill 158," said DeWine. "a significant step forward in enhancing students' focus and well-being in the classroom. By prohibiting cell phone use during school hours, this legislation aims to reduce distractions, limit cyberbullying, and foster better interpersonal relationships among students. I look forward to the House's consideration of this bill and the positive impact it will have on Ohio's children."

In May 2025, the Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 158 with a 30–2 vote. The legislation seeks to limit student cell phone use during the school day in K–12 public schools. According to the Statehouse News Bureau, the bill mandates that school districts implement formal policies on phone use, allowing exceptions for students with documented accommodations such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). DeWine has endorsed the bill, emphasizing its potential benefits. The legislation is currently under consideration in the Ohio House of Representatives.

A report by the National Center for Education Statistics in 2025 indicated that 77% of U.S. public schools restrict student cell phone use during class, with such policies enforced in 86% of elementary and 55% of secondary schools. Scientific American reported on a study by economist Louis-Philippe Beland which found that phone bans improved academic performance, particularly among low-achieving students, without adversely affecting higher performers. These findings lend support to arguments that cell phone restrictions can enhance focus and achievement.

Studies examining the relationship between cellphone bans and cyberbullying have yielded mixed results. A 2016 report by the National Center for Education Statistics noted fewer cyberbullying incidents in schools with phone restrictions. However, Christopher J. Ferguson's commentary in the Journal-Courier referenced data from Orange County, Florida, indicating that strict bans did not significantly reduce bullying and were associated with increased mental health referrals. These findings underscore the complexity of implementing school phone policies.

DeWine, a Republican who has served as Governor of Ohio since 2019 and was re-elected in 2022, has previously held positions as U.S. Senator, Ohio Attorney General, and Lieutenant Governor. His education priorities include early literacy initiatives, expanding school safety programs, and supporting workforce development efforts. He has publicly backed measures like Senate Bill 158 to regulate cell phone use within schools.