How did the school phone ban start in Ohio? It all started because schools were beginning to require teens to put their phones up in pockets on the door. So that they would focus on their schoolwork better. The results in teens focusing on school because of this were much better than schools that allowed their teens to have their phones in their back pockets. Governor Mike DeWine says “Our school children currently face countless distractions every day from the devices in their pockets… and by limiting these distractions, we will re-establish the opportunity for students across Ohio to immerse themselves in their classwork, learn from their teachers, and create lifelong memories with their closest friends.” This explains how the phone ban came to be a thing.
This is valid reasoning for creating the phone ban. However, some students and parents feel differently. One parent who interviewed with Fox 19 recounted what this mother had to say, “My daughter does have some underlying medical conditions, and at first we were concerned about that,” Blanchard said. Blanchard said “schools don’t need blanket phone bans but says she approves of the results she has seen at Hughes High School.” This gives some insight on how parents at other schools in Ohio feel about the ban. Some parents are worried about their children’s medical conditions that they would need a phone for. Other parents I have spoken to are in full support of the ban or have some worries. For instance, I interviewed my mom and here is what she said, “I think it’s a good and bad thing. There is always the worry about if you need me and can’t contact me at school in case of an emergency, But I know it’s beneficial in the end.”
After talking to her and reading plenty of articles, I can tell that a lot of parents have their worries but think it is a beneficial rule in place.
The phone ban is controversial, however, it has shown to be beneficial in multiple ways across schools in Ohio. At a recent roundtable discussion with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, school administrators said students appear more engaged, more social, and mentally healthier since being separated from their smartphones during the day.
Now after all that said, the phone ban was a thought for an extended period of time and was not an easy decision. It just needed to be tested and observed. Afterwards, the Governor and his team then could implement the law. It was necessary to test the ban before fully committing to it so that they could answer any questions asked. For instance, parents could ask if their child would get their phones at any point in the day. This is a question that would be asked here. They could also give statistics to show the improvement with the ban in place at schools around Ohio. With 76% of schools banning cellphone use besides for academic purposes 96% of students have improved grades and behavior. This information was found on kff.com
After the ban was placed, research had shown that students’ grades, focus, and social skills had improved.They are no longer on their phones in class and are more present in the moment. So even if you don’t agree with the new law, it is definitely beneficial to students.
This shows how the phone ban has been a helpful rule for students around Ohio. Even if some students or parents do not agree with it, it is in the student’s best interest.
