Senate Passes Timken Bill Addressing Student Cell Phone Use

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 158, sponsored by Senator Jane Timken (R-Jackson Township). The bill prohibits students use of cell phones in public schools during the school day.

"Our students have more connection with the phone they're holding than the classmate next to them," said Senator Timken. "This legislation ensures that we are plugging our kids into a brighter future by unplugging them from their phones. I'm grateful to the rest of my colleagues for recognizing the need to address this issue for all Ohio students."

School districts across the state have previously taken action to ban cell phones following the enactment of a law last year requiring local policies to be implemented that address the use of cell phones in schools. Positive results have already been seen by school district staff members in student engagement, attendance, grades, socialization, and communication.

Senate Bill 158 now heads to the Ohio House for consideration.

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