Schools are increasingly telling students they must put their phones away – Ohio’s example shows mixed results following new bans

February 8, 2026

Across the United States, schools are implementing increasingly strict cellphone restrictions, with 29 states passing laws since 2023 requiring K-12 public schools to ban or severely limit student phone use on campus. Ohio serves as a notable case study, progressing from partial bans in 2024 to requiring complete school-day phone prohibitions by 2026, with enforcement methods including lockable pouches and storage bins. Research on Ohio schools shows positive outcomes including increased face-to-face interaction and reduced digital distractions among students, though surveyed high school students expressed concerns about emergency accessibility and loss of autonomy.

Who is affected

K-12 public school students in 39 states with cellphone-related legislation
School principals and administrators responsible for enforcing phone bans
Parents and family members who may need to contact students during emergencies
Students who monitor medical conditions (like blood sugar) via phone apps
High school students applying to colleges and scholarships requiring multifactor authentication
Students responsible for caring for younger siblings during the school day

What action is being taken

77% of public schools currently forbid students from having phones out during class
Schools are enforcing no-phone policies using lockable pouches, classroom bins, or lockers
Ohio schools are implementing the stricter 2025 law requiring all-day phone prohibition
School districts are allowing medical exemptions for students who need phones to monitor health conditions
The researcher is conducting surveys with Ohio principals and high school students to assess phone ban impacts

Why it matters

Cellphone restrictions in schools address fundamental concerns about student development and social skill acquisition. Research indicates that excessive phone use interferes with children and teenagers developing essential interpersonal skills needed for friendships and relationships. Schools serve as critical environments where young people learn face-to-face conflict resolution and human connection, functions that are undermined when students focus on screens rather than peers. The preliminary data showing increased student engagement, longer attention spans, and reduced social conflicts suggests these policies may restore important aspects of social learning. However, the tension between these benefits and students' legitimate concerns about safety, autonomy, and practical needs demonstrates the complexity of implementing restrictions that affect daily student life while preparing them for technology-rich adult environments.

What's next

All Ohio public school boards must adopt policies prohibiting phone use during the entire school day by January 1, 2026
More research is needed to examine how phone bans affect different types of schools and communities across multiple states
School leaders could establish dedicated family emergency hotlines
Principals could designate supervised areas where senior high school students can briefly use phones for multifactor authentication
Schools could offer specific time windows for students to check messages or establish systems for the main office to deliver family messages
Researchers plan to continue studying these effects and listening to stakeholders, especially students

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com