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Cell Phone Policy

Press Pause. Power Down. Be Present.

A New Cell Phone Policy for Dublin City Schools

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, Dublin City Schools is implementing a districtwide cell phone policy for all students in grades PK–12. This change supports student well-being, improves classroom focus, and aligns with new Ohio law requiring schools to limit cell phone use during the school day.

What the Law Says

In June, Ohio lawmakers passed a new, two-year state budget that includes a statewide cell phone ban in K–12 schools. The law, backed by Governor Mike DeWine and supported by both political parties, requires every Ohio school district to adopt a local policy prohibiting student cell phone use during the instructional day.
Governor DeWine first called for the ban during his State of the State address. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has since released guidance urging schools to eliminate phone use during the school day, while still making reasonable exceptions for learning and safety.
“We are going to ask students to put their phones in airplane mode or power them down and put them away. We’re not going to be taking them from students — we just need them out of sight, out of mind, powered down so that we can focus on learning in our classrooms.” — Dr. John Marschhausen, Superintendent

Why It Matters

A growing body of research shows that frequent cell phone use contributes to:
  • Social deprivation
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Attention fragmentation
These issues are especially concerning for youth, where screen time has been linked to increased mental health concerns and declining academic performance. In the United States, at least 1 in 5 children reports experiencing mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorders.
 
The cell phone policy is about more than rules — it's about creating safe, focused learning environments where students can engage with one another and their learning without constant digital distractions.
“When you walk into a cafeteria now, you hear kids talking. It’s loud. They’re engaging. And they’re not just staring at their screens.” — Dr. John Marschhausen

What the Policy Says

The Dublin City Schools cell phone policy now applies to all students, PK–12, and includes the following expectations:
  • Cell phone use is prohibited during the school day, from the first bell to the last.
  • Phones must be powered off or in airplane mode and stored out of sight (e.g., backpack, locker).
  • Exceptions may be made for learning activities directed by a teacher, or for students who require device access for medical needs.
  • In an emergency, students may be permitted to contact their families.
  • Parents who need to reach their child during the day should call the school office or, for high schoolers, send an email to their school account.

💬 What Families and Students Can Expect

We know this is a change, especially for students used to having phone access during lunch, class transitions, or downtime. But our focus is on what students gain:
  • More focus
  • Stronger peer connections
  • Less stress and pressure from constant notifications
  • Healthier digital habits
This is a step toward reducing distraction, protecting instructional time, and supporting students' social and emotional wellness.
 

Resources

  • View Board Policy 5136 – Personal Communication Devices
  • Watch the “Press Pause, Power Down” video with Dr. Marschhausen and Board President Diana Rigby
  • Learn more from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

What’s Next?

We’re calling on our students and families to be partners in this work. Together, we can help students:
  • Press Pause
  • Power Down
  • Be Present
Let’s make this year about meaningful learning, face-to-face connection, and supporting each other — one powered-down phone at a time.