HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania schools would be required to prohibit student cellphone use throughout the school day beginning next school year under bipartisan legislation sent to Gov. Josh Shapiro, establishing a statewide restriction while leaving enforcement decisions to individual school districts.
Senate Bill 1014, sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson, R-37, Vincent Hughes, D-7, and Steve Santarsiero, D-10, has cleared both chambers of the General Assembly and awaits the governor’s signature.
The legislation would establish a bell-to-bell prohibition on student cellphone use, extending restrictions beyond classroom instruction to the entire school day.
School districts would retain authority to determine how to implement and enforce the requirement, allowing local administrators to establish procedures suited to their schools.
The measure includes exceptions for students or immediate family members with certain medical conditions, English-language learners who need translation assistance, and students whose individualized education plans require personal communication devices.
Schools could also permit cellphone use during designated single-day activities, such as field days or science fairs. Teachers would be allowed to incorporate cellphones into instruction in limited circumstances with approval from their principals.
The legislation would change how Pennsylvania public schools manage student access to personal devices, replacing varying local approaches with a statewide prohibition on use during school hours.
“We need to get cellphones out of our classrooms and let kids focus on learning,” Robinson said. “Teachers should not have to compete with smartphones for their students’ attention, and kids should be able to get through the school day without the constant pressure of social media and notifications.”
The proposal addresses concerns about classroom distractions, academic performance and the effects of social media on students’ mental health.
Hughes cited data indicating that 45% of teenagers report feeling overwhelmed by social media drama, while 26% report feeling worse about themselves because of experiences involving their phones.
“This new law will remove that distraction during school time and limit the strain on students’ mental health, allowing them to focus on the classroom and socializing with peers,” Hughes said.
Supporters contend that restricting access throughout the school day, rather than only during lessons, would reduce opportunities for students to engage with social media and other digital distractions.
Santarsiero, a former teacher, said the restrictions are intended to improve learning conditions and would take effect next school year if the legislation becomes law.
The Pennsylvania State Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, endorsed the measure in October 2025.
Aaron Chapin, the association’s president, said the legislation would help teachers maintain classroom instruction without repeated interruptions from personal devices.
“We are confident that this change to the school day will have a positive impact on student academic performance, student behavior, and mental health,” Chapin said.
The legislation also received support from PA Unplugged, a parent advocacy organization seeking restrictions on student device use.
Kelly Marsh, a parent and co-leader of the organization, acknowledged that school cellphone restrictions would not independently resolve broader concerns about youth mental health.
“This law won’t solve the youth mental health crisis on its own, but it will give our kids at least six hours a day to focus on their learning, connect with their peers, and build the foundational skills they need to be healthy and successful adults,” Marsh said.
According to the legislation’s sponsors, 40 states have adopted restrictions on student cellphone use, including 19 with bell-to-bell prohibitions.
Pennsylvania would join those states if Shapiro signs the measure.
Legislative records provided with the bill show it was signed in the Senate on October 21 and in the House on October 22 before being presented to the governor that same day.
The measure has not yet become law. Its proposed statewide restrictions remain contingent on the governor’s approval.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.