In years prior, there has been talk concerning the usage of cell phones during school hours, specifically in the state of Ohio. This topic has led to many polls, meetings, and controversy, yet no action was taken.

As of August 2025, Lakota West, along with many other schools, has enacted the statewide law that prohibits cell phones in the classroom. Grades 7-12 are no longer allowed to use phones during instructional time. This also includes Nexus (study hall), advisory, the restroom, and even the nurse’s office. Students can have their cellular devices between switching classes and their 30 minutes of lunch time, and so far, everything seems to be reasonable.

The administration and state of Ohio want to prevent cyberbullying and future attacks regarding social media. It’s also believed to help improve the education of students during their learning time. With fewer distractions, there is more interaction with the lesson and their peers. The only other time a student is permitted to have a phone in class is when an emergency arises– and this is where the issues begin. Since 2024, there have been 254 school shootings; all unpredictable and inevitable. Not only are highschoolers in a constant state of anxiety and stress, but now fear. The #1 reason for phones is communication. Without them, it may be a little harder to communicate with loved ones when in an uncomfortable situation. 

With this being said, it’s important to realize that phones aren’t solely for personal entertainment; they can and are currently being used in education every day. Problems resurface as the lack of technology increases. Taking out technology in a technology-oriented world can be difficult. Not to mention the constant use of phones while in journalism, broadcasting, and photography. Will the school fund those classes, or will they have to go without? The journalism class at West utilizes phones for quick and efficient interviews for the West Press. The same goes for photography. The class requires pictures to be taken, and cameras can be expensive and hard to use! Phones allow assignments to be less tedious with time and money.

The list could go on, but it’s better to let the 2025-26 school year play out. There’s not much anyone can do at this point, and it may be for the best. The West Press will give an in-depth follow-up at the end of the year to ensure that the phone policy has made the best impact on Lakota students.