(The Center Square) – More than half of the school districts in Ohio have implemented cell phone policies, a year ahead of a deadline set by a new state law.

Gov. Mike DeWine signed a law in May that requires local school boards to establish local cellphone policies rather than the state limiting use for students during the school day.

It passed both the House and Senate unanimously and followed the governor's call for limiting use during the school day during his state of the state address a month earlier.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recently surveyed all state superintendents and community school leaders on the status of local policies and received responses from 992 out of 1,008 school districts.

Of those who responded, more than 600 had adopted some sort of formal policy before the July 1 deadline.

"We know cell phones in schools are harmful for students, both in terms of their performance in the classroom and their mental health," DeWine said. "I appreciate the schools that have already implemented cell phone policies a full school year before required by law. School leaders who have enacted policies limiting cell phones have already reported an improved focus on academics and, just as importantly, better social connections.

"To school leaders who have not implemented their cell phone policies yet, I strongly urge you to move as quickly as possible."

Forty-five percent of the districts responding said their policies limit use to select times of the school day, compared to 41% that said cell phones are banned throughout the school day. According to the report, suburban districts and joint vocational school districts are more likely to allow limited use rather than a total ban.

Other districts reported policies vary by grade.

"I traveled the state this year to hear from school administrators, students, and parents about implementing cell phone policies in schools, and the response was unanimous. You improve student academic performance and reduce bullying and disciplinary issues when you get phones out of the classroom," Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said. "I'm incredibly encouraged to see schools across Ohio adopting cell phone policies ahead of schedule.

"It's a great step toward creating focused, engaging learning environments that support students' success and well-being."