Legislation requiring Pennsylvania schools to prohibit student cellphone use during the school day is heading to the governor’s desk after passing both houses of the state legislature.
Senate Bill 1014 sets a statewide standard banning cellphones while allowing individual school districts to determine how to enforce the rules locally.
Sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson, Vincent Hughes and Steve Santarsiero, the bipartisan legislation aims to reduce classroom distractions and lessen the mental health strain caused by smartphone and social media use among students.
The legislation requires each school district in Pennsylvania to establish policies prohibiting student cellphone use throughout the school day, while preserving local control over how those policies are designed and implemented.
The bill outlines specific exceptions to the restriction. Exceptions apply to students or immediate family members with certain medical conditions, English as a second language learners using cellphones for translation, and students with individualized education plans who require personal communication devices. Limited exceptions are also permitted for single-day events such as field days or science fairs, as well as classroom instructional use approved by a school principal.
If enacted, Pennsylvania would join 40 other states that restrict mobile devices in schools, 19 of which enforce full bell-to-bell prohibitions.
Senate Bill 1014 now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. If signed into law, the cellphone restrictions will take effect starting next school year.
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