Educators from Northeast Ohio gathered with Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to talk about school cell phone rules. This happened after Governor DeWine signed a new law saying schools must have a policy about cell phones.
Husted said, “School leaders agree that cell phones in schools cause problems. When we got rid of them, our test scores improved, and our school culture got better.”
Husted and the Department of Education met with superintendents to discuss the Governor’s policy. This policy says cell phones can’t be used on school grounds during classes. They must be kept in a safe place.
Husted was surprised that there weren’t many complaints from parents or students. He said, “People don’t want to give up their phones, but if everyone does, it benefits us.”
Joseph Spiccia, from Wickliffe City School District, was part of the discussions. He said, “Currently, we allow limited cell phone use outside of classrooms. But our board is thinking about making the policy stricter in 2025.”
The policy allows exceptions for students who need phones for special education programs or health reasons. Schools can choose to follow the model policy or make their own.