COLUMBUS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) — Two state lawmakers have proposed requiring Ohio’s public middle and high schools to create and publicize internet safety policies, including disallowing student phone use during the academic day in most circumstances.
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By: Sarah Donaldson | Statehouse News Bureau
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“Any time that schools can make the decision without having there be a law is better for all of us,” said John Marschhausen, the superintendent for Dublin City Schools.As of this academic year, the five middle schools within the district he oversees are entirely phone free. High school students are required to power their phones off during the day, but can still bring their devices to school with them.
“When you walk into a lunchroom, when you walk into a building, it sounds like a middle school should sound. It’s loud. Kids are engaged, kids are talking with each other,” Marschhausen said then.
DeWine said Tuesday he will have to see what “emerges” from the legislature on the issue.
HB 485 is awaiting its first hearing in committee. If it passes, it would take effect in January 2025, prior to the 2025-2026 academic year. At the same time, state senators have amended an unrelated bill—House Bill 250—that’s further along with similar measures.