Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is leading a renewed effort to make Ohio schools cell phone-free during school hours. In a press conference held earlier today, DeWine threw his full support behind Senate Bill 158, introduced by Senator Jane Timken (R-Jackson Township), which aims to ban student cell phone use in public schools across the state.
“It’s clear that we need to get cell phones out of our classrooms,” DeWine said. “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.”
The bill is expected to move quickly, giving schools the summer to prepare for the 2025–2026 academic year. It includes exceptions for students who require devices for documented reasons, such as medical conditions or learning support outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Positive Results Already Seen in Ohio Schools
Governor DeWine cited evidence from schools that have already implemented their own phone bans. According to teachers and administrators in those districts, student focus has increased, social interaction has improved, and grades are going up.
“In schools that have already banned phones, we’ve heard from teachers, administrators, and parents who say the results have been remarkable,” DeWine said. “It’s rare that one change can have such a positive difference.”
Senator Timken reinforced this sentiment, saying, “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.”
A Continued Legislative Effort
Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware), who introduced House Bill 250 last year to promote local policies on cell phone use, called the new bill “a step in the right direction.”
Dr. John Marschhausen, Superintendent of Dublin City Schools, spoke in support of the legislation. His district has been a leading voice in pushing for phone-free classrooms. “We’ve had near-unanimous support from our parents,” he said. “Our Business Advisory Council has talked about the importance of graduating students who can work and be successful without having a device in their hands.”
Dr. Marschhausen also noted that the effort needs to go beyond schools. “Making sure our students are safe on their phones takes all of us working together,” he said.
Former Second Lady Tina Husted Shares Powerful Message
Joining the Governor was Tina Husted, former Second Lady of Ohio, who has championed children’s online safety. She helped push for Braden’s Law, a bill named after a 15-year-old who died by suicide after being targeted in an online sextortion scheme. The law takes effect on April 9 and makes sexual extortion a felony in Ohio.
“Online safety for our children is one of the most critical issues of our time,” Husted said. “There have been accounts of ‘se-tortion’ and online bullying which, at times, have resulted in a loss of life.”
She urged parents to take active steps to protect their children, including limiting screen time, using monitoring apps, and making sure kids do not sleep with their phones. “Most importantly, talk to your children. Make sure they know that they can come to you if they feel uncertain or threatened by anyone,” she added.
A Broader Movement Toward Safer Learning Environments
Senate Bill 158 is not just about academic performance—it’s about changing a culture that often leaves kids overwhelmed, distracted, and vulnerable. If passed, it would mark a significant statewide shift, putting Ohio at the forefront of a growing national movement to limit screen time in schools and promote healthier habits for young people.
