COLUMBUS, Ohio - The new year brings new rules to public school districts across Ohio, which are now required to follow formal policies that limit or prohibit the use of cell phones during the school day. A state law passed in 2024 mandated that all districts, community schools, and STEM schools adopt the rules by today. The legislation was introduced to address growing concerns from teachers and parents about the impact of digital devices on learning.

The law aims to reduce classroom distractions and improve students' mental health by limiting access to social media during school hours. While the state provided a model policy, local school boards had the authority to create their own specific guidelines. This allowed districts in Mahoning and Trumbull counties to decide whether phones should be banned entirely or just restricted during instruction.

Most local districts require students to keep phones powered off and stored in lockers or backpacks from the first bell until the end of the day. Exceptions are allowed for students with medical needs, such as those who require blood sugar monitoring or those using devices for specific classroom assignments. Schools must also include a plan for how parents can contact their children during an emergency without using a personal cell phone.