New State Law Prompts Changes to Cell Phone Rules

High schoolers in Forest Hills School District will notice some changes to the guidelines and expectations related to cell phone usage with the start of the 2024-2025 school year. District and school leaders worked together to revise cell phone rules at the high school level in response to Ohio House Bill 250, which was passed and signed into law this past May. The law requires all school districts in Ohio to establish an official policy regarding the use of cell phones during school hours with a goal of minimizing cell phone use by students.

FHSD already has a policy in place related to cell phones and mobile devices, and that policy will be reviewed this school year through the standard process during Board of Education meetings. The district will take into consideration any new recommendations from the state of Ohio and make necessary policy changes as required by the new law.

The existing rules related to cell phone and mobile device usage at the middle and elementary schools are not changing this school year. All six elementary schools and Nagel Middle School already require student cell phones or mobile devices to be kept away for the duration of the school day.

At Anderson and Turpin high schools, changes are being made to the cell phone rules to reflect the directive provided by Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio lawmakers. The district is now requiring cell phones and mobile devices to be kept in a student’s backpack or locker during the school day. Cell phones and mobile devices will not be allowed out during any instructional time: class time, study halls and advisory/FLEX. If other technology (earbuds, smartwatches, etc.) is connected to a cell phone and used to access cell phone functions, that device is also prohibited under the same conditions. Cell phone use will only be allowed during class transition and a student’s assigned lunch period. You can review the full high school rules, which include additional details, by clicking here.

The district believes these changes will positively impact the educational environment at both high schools. A key priority for educators, as well as students, is to participate in an engaging learning environment that prepares students to effectively pursue their goals after graduation and be productive citizens.

You can read more about the new law on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s website here.