Gov. Josh Shapiro made it official today, signing Senate Bill 1014 into law, requiring all Pennsylvania public, charter, cyber charter, and private schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal cell phones throughout the school day, including during lunch, recess, and between classes.
The governor signed the legislation at Lenape Middle School in the Central Bucks School District, as Pennsylvania joins more than two dozen other states in keeping devices out of students’ hands from the start of the school day until dismissal to help them focus, engage with peers, and build social and emotional skills.
“Technology is a powerful tool, but it’s also a powerful distraction, and I’ve heard from parents and teachers who tell me about how our kids are too easily caught up by addictive algorithms that are preventing them from focusing on school, building relationships with other kids, and developing the social skills that help us all relate to each other in person,” said Shapiro. “I listened to those concerns from parents and teachers all across our Commonwealth and called on the General Assembly to put a bill on my desk to get cell phones out of our classrooms. Today, I’m delivering on that promise alongside my colleagues in the legislature, and the very educators, parents, and students who will see the impact of this bill firsthand — because when we support our kids and invest in their futures, good things happen.”
Educators in the Central Bucks District have seen first-hand what happens when students put their phones away, as students are currently required to keep phones off and away throughout the school day.
“As educators, teachers, and caregivers, we understand the challenges of raising and educating young people in a digital world. For years, schools have been striving to address the distraction that comes with student cell phones,” said Dr. Joanna Wexler, Superintendent, Central Bucks School District. “Now, we will continue to work with students, staff, and parents to engage in conversations and dialogue around this issue, knowing our students and staff will rise to the occasion and meet these new expectations, continue to excel, achieve, and make us proud in countless ways.”
“Here at Central Bucks, we’ve already seen first-hand what happens when students put their phones away — they’re more present, they talk to each other more, they’re more engaged, and teachers can focus on teaching instead of competing for our students’ attention,” said Christie Besack, Social Studies Teacher, Central Bucks High School West. “When we get distractions out of the classroom, we’re improving students’ educational outcomes and ensuring they are in the best position to succeed. I want to thank Governor Shapiro and the general assembly for working together to invest in our children and implement policies that put the focus back on learning and collaboration.”
SB 1014 was sponsored by Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny) and passed the House in a 141-62 vote and the Senate by a 47-3 vote — showing broad, bipartisan support. The legislation requires schools implement compliant policies by the beginning of the 2027–2028 school year.
“I am thrilled that we were able to pass this bill to prohibit cellphone use in schools. The evidence is clear and obvious: smartphones are harmful to the mental health of kids and teens, they are attention and experience blocked that connect you with people far away while disconnecting you from the people and experiences right in front of you, and they have not, in any way, improved student learning or social growth. In fact, they’ve done the opposite. Today is a win for students and schools and I am proud to have been a part of this effort.”
From the other side of the aisle, Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) agreed.
“Our phones can do great things to unlock information for us, but they can also be a huge distraction with negative impacts on our kids,” he said. “This bill is an important step in our schools, and their success will show us how it’s done. I’m grateful for everyone who had a hand in making this happen.”
Pennsylvania becomes the 25th state to enact a bell-to-bell phone free school policy, according to Jonathan Haidt, the author of The Anxious Generation and cofounder of The TAG Movement. “When students put their phones away for the day, they learn more from their teachers, develop longer attention spans, and have more fun with each other.”
