Ohio Budget Includes Provision to Ban Student Cellphone Use in Public Schools
OHIO, JUN 30 – Ohio schools must adopt policies restricting cell phone use during class by 2026 to reduce distractions and improve student focus, with some exceptions for emergencies and health needs.
- Ohio’s new two-year state budget includes a requirement that school districts establish policies prohibiting students from using cellphones during class time by January 1, 2026.
- This measure followed increasing concerns about phone distractions in schools and support from Gov. Mike DeWine, who argued limiting phones enhances student focus and wellness.
- The legislation allows exceptions for health-related device use, emergency situations, and teacher-approved learning needs, while also mandating social media literacy classes starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
- Tom Hosler, Perrysburg superintendent, said phones cause learning and social issues, and John Fortney confirmed classrooms will become cellphone-free zones once signed into law.
- The policy aims to reduce distractions, improve academic outcomes, and address mental health risks linked to social media, signaling Ohio's commitment to changing school culture regarding device use.
22 Articles
22 Articles

NC governor signs public schools' social media restrictions bill into law
The compromise between the House and Senate kept the Senate’s version that added restrictions on multiple electronic devices, such as cellphones, tablets, laptops, pagers, two-way radios and gaming devices.
Bernard Drainville formalizes with a regulation his plan of respect and civics at school, which includes the devotion and prohibition of cell phones from 2026. Recalcitrants will receive sanctions up to and including expulsion.
N.C. lawmakers approve bill for cell phone-free classrooms
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) -- N.C. Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 959 on Tuesday, July 1st, which bans cell phones in classrooms. According to a press release, the bill provides students with a distraction-free learning environment and a seven-hour mental break from the pressures of phones and social media. “When teachers don’t have to compete with cell phones for student attention, real learning happens. This bipartisan bill gives students a …
HB 1481 bans cellphones in the classroom, here's what local districts are doing so far - Cross Timbers Gazette
Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1481, a bill that allows public schools to ban personal electronic devices from the classroom and mandates that schools have a written policy on devices. There are exceptions that can be made if a student has a documented medical need, has filed for Section 504 accommodations or there is some other health or safety concern. Any district-issued devices are not subject to the ban. In southern Denton County, m…
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