• August 21, 2025

    Dear Columbus City Schools,

    As you are aware, the Ohio Legislature recently passed, and Governor DeWine signed into law, House Bill 96, which restricts the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day. In response, our Board of Education and District Administration are aligning our local policy (#5136) with this new state requirement.

    Research shows that when students disconnect from their cell phones during the school day, they become more attentive, perform better academically, and develop stronger connections with their teachers and peers. Our goal is not to penalize, but to create learning environments where every student is fully engaged and distraction-free.

    What this means for our middle and high school students: 

    • Cell phones and other electronic devices, including smartwatches and earbuds, are not permitted during instructional hours. 
    • This new policy will take effect at the beginning of the current school year, on August 25th.
    • Electronic communications devices must be set on silent or vibrate mode at all times during the instructional day, whether in the school building or on school grounds, unless being used for instructional purposes authorized by a teacher or administrator.

     Students are permitted to use a cell phone only under these circumstances:

    • When such use is documented in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) under Chapter 3323 of the Ohio Revised Code or in a plan developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), parents should consult with their child’s Special Education Coordinator if there are any questions or need assistance regarding IEP/504-related exceptions.
    • To monitor or address a health concern with medical documentation.
    • A teacher or administrator permits use for instructional purposes.
    • When an active threat or emergency is occurring. 

    We recognize that cell phones and other devices are an integral part of our students’ lives. However, when brought into the classroom, they can quickly become a source of distraction that impacts focus, engagement, and learning. 

    While each building may have unique routines for storing and monitoring devices, the goal is to minimize distractions, maximize instructional time, and ensure that our students are fully present and engaged in their learning.

    Together, we are ensuring our scholars are fully focused, engaged, and supported throughout the day.