Unplugging Kids From Their Phones During the School Day - President's Podcast

Unplug the students from their phone, and plug them into conversations with their friends at school.

This week Governor Mike DeWine held a news conference where he was joined by Senator Jane Timken and Senator Andrew Brenner highlighting the introduction of SB 158, that would ban cell phone use during the instructional day at school.

Watch key moments from the news conference.

Studies about children and cell phone use revealed startling results, proving the dangerous distractions the phones bring into the classroom on a nearly minute by minute scale. 

Senator Timken pointed out that students receive an average of 11 notifications every hour, amounting to an astonishing 192 notifications or distractions every single day.

“This is a tremendous distraction from classroom time,” said Senator Timken. “We need to unplug our kids from their phones at school and plug them into positive person-to-person interactions for a brighter future.”

Watch our special interview with Senator Timken and Senator Brenner following the governor's news conference.

Last year, the General Assembly passed a bill that Governor DeWine signed into law that required districts to have a cell phone policy. It was so well received, Governor DeWine asked the General Assembly and Senator Timken to take the logical next step of banning cell phone use during the school day.

“It’s clear that we need to get cell phones out of our classrooms,” said Governor DeWine. “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.”

Senator Brenner chairs the Education Committee. He talked about the dangers cyber bullying brings to the classroom. This week the Senate also unanimously passed Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Senator Terry Johnson. It requires districts to teach courses regarding the dangers of substance abuse and also adds bullying and hazing to the health curriculum.

“The General Assembly passed Braden’s Law last year which was named after an Olentangy Central high school student who took his own life after being extorted online,” said Senator Brenner. “Banning phones from the school day is another step in the right direction toward limiting the potential for constant bullying.”

This week Senator Timken and Senator Brenner join the President's Podcast to talk about why this bill represents a much needed improvement to the classroom environment.

You can find the press conference in its entirety here.