TOLEDO, Ohio — Students at Ottawa Hills schools are adjusting to a new policy regarding cell phones this year. Elementary students are allowed to bring their phones to school, but they must be kept turned off and stored in a book bag or locker throughout the day.
Meanwhile, junior and senior high students may bring their phones into classrooms, though they can only use them during transition times, such as between classes and at lunch.
“We have a system where students file their phones in a pocket chart when they enter class,” said Ottawa Hills Superintendent Adam Fineske. “Each student usually has the same slot every day. This helps eliminate distractions during class time.”
Fineske explained that the change was implemented to improve focus and engagement in the classroom. “We saw a significant improvement in the morale of students and their ability to stay focused,” he added.
As the school year progresses, Fineske affirmed that the policy is working well and plans to continue it.
RELATED: Gov. Mike DeWine's office releases recommendations for restricting cellphone use in schools
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted is urging schools statewide to adopt similar policies ahead of the state's July deadline. “Too much access to smartphones is leading to academic decline, bullying, and mental health issues,” Husted said.
With more than 61% of schools already adopting formal policies, Husted emphasized that local control should remain. “The evidence suggests removing cellphones entirely works best,” he added.
Other school systems in Toledo area have begun implementing student cell phone policies, including Washington Local, Sylvania and Perrysburg.
For a full list of schools with policies in Ohio, click here.
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