The new school year is almost here, and with new Ohio laws surrounding cell phone use, students should expect less screen time during the school day.

In the state's two-year budget, state lawmakers prohibited cell phone use during the school day under most circumstances. Each school district, community school, and STEM school must adopt a policy prohibiting students' use of cell phones during the instructional day, with some exceptions. The district must adopt the policy by Jan. 1, 2026.

However, there are exceptions to the rule. Students can use cell phones for "student learning" or to monitor or address a health concern if the student has a written statement from their physician.

While some districts allow cell phone use in the hallways or during lunchtime, they may need to update t

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