Plans To Ban Cell Phones In PA Schools Advances

PENNSYLVANIA — A total phone ban in schools across the state could be coming as early as next year.

The state House on Monday approved a bill prohibiting cellphones in all K-12 schools across the state.

The bill means that students could not use their phones on school property during the entire day except for emergency circumstances. The ban includes using phones during homeroom, lunch and recess.

The bill passed by a 126-70 vote and now goes to the state Senate. If approved there, it will go to Gov. Josh Shapiro's desk to be signed into law.

If the bill becomes law, it would become effective for the 2027-2028 school year.

Shapiro in January strongly endorsed the idea of a ban.

"It’s time for us to get distractions out of the classroom and create a healthier environment in our schools. Students need to spend time focused on learning, on socializing with their peers, and on developing the critical skills they’ll need later in life," Shapiro stated at the time.

"I’m calling on the state Legislature to send a bill to my desk requiring our schools to implement policies that take cell phones and mobile devices out of kids’ hands from the time they start class until the time they leave for home — helping teachers and kids focus on learning."

Under the bill, individual school districts would be responsible for precisely how the prohibition occurs.

According to ABC News, 20 states, Washington D.C. and the Virgin Islands have totally banned cell phones and tablets for students for the entire instructional day.

Some states do have exceptions for students with disabilities who have individualized education programs.