Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a statewide bell-to-bell school phone ban into law on Monday, prohibiting Pennsylvania students from using cellphones throughout the school day.
State lawmakers approved the legislation last week after Shapiro called for the measure following discussions with students, teachers and parents.
Under the legislation, each school district across Pennsylvania is required to establish official policies prohibiting student cellphone use throughout the entire school day. The bill preserves local control, leaving individual school districts responsible for designing and implementing their specific guidelines.
The law establishes specific exceptions to the restriction. Students or immediate family members with certain medical conditions are exempt from the ban, along with English as a second language learners who use cellphones for translation. Students with individualized education plans who require personal communication devices are also permitted to use them.
Limited exceptions are allowed for single-day events, such as field days or science fairs, as well as for classroom instructional use approved by a school principal.
Shapiro advocated for the restriction to help students refocus on education and interpersonal connections.
“I think students need to spend less time focused on their phones and a whole lot more time on learning and developing social skills with their neighbors,” Shapiro said.
The statewide cellphone restrictions and district policies will take effect starting next school year.
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