PA Gov. Shapiro Signs Bill Banning Cell Phones In Schools Across State

PENNSYLVANIA — The state's 500 school districts now are mandated to restrict bell-to-bell cellphone use by students during the school day.

Gov. Josh Shapiro on Monday signed Senate Bill 1014 into law. It requires districts to devise individual policies to secure the phones during classroom time, including recess and study halls.

There are exceptions for situations such as students with documented medical conditions, students utilizing an individualized education program or students who have permission from a school administrator.

"I think students need to spend less time focused on their phones and more time focused on learning," Shapiro said at a ceremony at Lenape Middle School in Doylestown, which has had a cell phone ban in place for the past three years.

The cell phone ban goes into effect for the start of the 2027-28 school year and applies to all public, private, charter and cyber charter schools. Shapiro emphasized that the state would work with schools to aid them in implementing the new policy but will not instruct them how to do it.

"Schools will not be told how to do this work, but they will be empowered to do it," Shapiro said.

The Pennsylvania State Education Association applauded the ban.

Association president Aaron Chapin said the law "takes an essential step toward reducing distractions for students during class time and keeping lessons and teaching on track. We are confident that this change to the school day will have a positive impact on student behavior, academic performance, and mental health.”

At least 39 states and the District of Columbia currently restrict cell phone use in schools, according to Education Week. Thirty states enforce a full “bell-to-bell” ban, also known as an “away for a day” policy.