Toledo Public Schools became a cell phone free-school district in August, in accordance with Ohio House Bill 250. The bill mandates a cell phone-free policy for all Ohio schools beginning in January 2026. TPS opted to implement the changes with the new school year, which means that students do not have access to their cell phones or personal electronic devices during the school day. The TPS administration notes that “this legislation was driven by Governor Mike De Wine’s concern that cell phones are a significant source of distraction in classrooms and [that they] negatively impact student learning and focus.”
New procedures
TPS outlined the new procedure for parents and students:
- Comprehensive high schools and magnet schools will utilize Yondr bags where students will secure their phones upon arrival at school in a locked bag, which is unlocked when the student leaves the building at the end of the school day.
- K-8 buildings will use secure lockboxes for device storage. Students will check in their phones each morning and retrieve them at dismissal.
- Cell phone use infractions will result in disciplinary actions, ranging from phone calls home to school suspensions.
The district purchased Yondr pouches for use by all students at TPS high schools for cellular phones and smart watches, which are secured with a magnetic lock throughout the day.
Deputy Superintendent James Gant spoke about the new policies on a podcast shared on TPS’s social media platforms, including the early days of implementing the policy, from passing out the Yondr pouches to adopting new daily procedures. Listen to the full podcast at youtube.com/ watch?v=eggE6SlVVkU.
“We had to get them out to the students. That took some time. And then we had to work through the process. I’m excited to say that from a student acceptance perspective of students and behavior of students, it’s been extremely positive,” Gant explained, adding, “I’ve already heard positive things in terms of [effects on] instruction in the classroom.”
He added, “I’ve heard from principals that the students are talking more with each other. It is louder in the hallways and lunchrooms because if you’re looking at your phone you don’t have to talk. That kind of engagement is what we’re after.”
Gant noted that the challenge has been in the time necessary to make the handoff each morning, but expects that the process will become more efficient in the future. “Some kids say they just leave it (they’re phone) home now,” he said.
When TPS first began to explore ways to go cell phone-free, they sent a team to Akron schools, which had implemented a similar policy several years ago. The team was able to see, first hand, the positive impact that the policy was having on behaviors and classroom participation. They noted a reduction in fights caused by group chats, removing occurrences of what Gant calls “electronic courage”.
Parental concerns
Many parents expressed concerns over the new policy, with worries that they would not be able to reach their student in an emergency situation. “I completely understand the need to want to talk and communicate with your child and to make sure they are safe and sound. We understand that,” Gant said. “In cases of emergency, we definitely have protocols. If your contact information is up to date, we have the ability to give you a message that’s from the school itself or from the district. We can also text and email. If you have questions about that, please reach out to your child’s school.”
Regarding concerns surrounding medical issues Gant added, “If there is a medical concern, the school can reach out. The nurse has the ability to open up phones and provide information for them. We’ll be able to address those issues from a medical perspective.”
Gant encourages parents to call the school office to address any specific concerns. “This is new. We are all learning together. If there are things we can be doing differently and better, we are open to hearing that and having discussions and collaborating, making improvements and implementing them.”
Gant has received feedback from open houses, and reports that comments from parents have been overwhelmingly positive. “This is about education and instructional time and socialization of kids and, hopefully, creating better citizens in the process.”
