Governor Signs School Cell Phone Ban Into Law During Ceremony In Bucks Co.

DOYLESTOWN, PA – Beginning with the next school year, the use of cell phones will be banned from bell-to-bell in public and private schools throughout the Commonwealth under legislation signed into law on Monday by Governor Josh Shapiro during a ceremony in Bucks County.

Senate Bill 1014 will require all Pennsylvania public, charter, cyber charter, career and technical school, intermediate unit, and private schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal cell phones throughout the school day, including during lunch, recess, and between classes. Schools are required to adopt and implement that policy by the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.

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"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."

Governor Shapiro signed the legislation at the Lenape Middle School in the Central Bucks School District, where 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, the superintendent of the 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."

Central Bucks School District Superintendent Dr. Joanna Wexler with Governor Josh Shapiro at the Lenape Middle School. (PA Cast)

A Central Bucks student listens during the signing ceremony at the Lenape Middle School. (PA Cast)

Governor Josh Shapiro shows the signed bill to applause from supporters of the measure. At right are State Sen. Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Tim Brennan. (PA Cast)

Added Central Bucks High School West social studies teacher Christie Besack, "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. 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."

The bill also outlines exceptions to the ban for documented medical needs, special education or disability accommodations, English language learning devices, and other pre-approved, limited instructional purposes. Schools will also be required to notify parents of emergency communication procedures, provide opportunities for public input, and publish their policies online.

"Like many other parents, I began noticing the very different childhood our kids are experiencing with the early and constant pull of technology and social media," said Kirstin McGowan, a parent advocate and co-leader of PA Unplugged. "Parents, teachers and health professionals have been asking for help and the passing of SB 1014 is a major first step in supporting our kids and teachers … Thank you, Governor Shapiro for calling for this state-wide standard, for signing SB 1014, and for helping make Pennsylvania a place where childhood happens in the real world first."

Sanjana Chamarty, a senior at Central Bucks High School South, added, "As students, we should not be viewing this as a disconnection from the digital world, but rather an opportunity to connect with one another face-to-face," she said. "Eliminating cell phones in schools is a huge push forward for removing distractions."

Governor Josh Shapiro holds up a signed copy of the legislation during a bill signing at Lenape Middle School in Doylestown. (PA Cast)

Governor Josh Shapiro greets a Central Bucks student following the ceremony. (PA Cast)

While the use of technology in moderation can support learning, creativity, and communication, the governor's office said studies have shown excessive screen time can contribute to increased stress, disrupted sleep, and worsened academic performance.

With the signing of the legislation, 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 on their school work.

In 2025, six new questions were added to the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) — a biannual survey sent to 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th graders across the Commonwealth — assessing students' access to devices and social media, their frequency of use, and parent or caregiver rules regarding screen time. PAYS found 24 percent of students reported spending four or more hours per school day on social media and 36.3 percent reported four or more hours of total non-school screen time.

SB 1014 was sponsored by Senator Devlin Robinson and passed the House in a 141-62 vote and the Senate by a 47-3 vote — showing broad, bipartisan support.

"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," said Senator Steve Santarsiero, whose 10th Senate District includes the Central Bucks School District. "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, and to the governor, most of all, for his leadership on this issue. I am proud to be part of the team."

Santarsiero has been an outspoken advocate of a cell phone ban in schools and is one of three authors of the legislation.

"This bill is about creating an environment where our students can focus on education and growing as young people," said Santarsiero. "That's the gift this bill can give to them. Other states have recognized the importance of this policy and stepped up to make it happen, and I'm proud that Pennsylvania is taking that next step."

The bill's other two authors are Senators Develin Robinson (R-37) and Vincent Hughes (D-7).

"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," said Senator Robinson. "Today is a win for students and schools and I am proud to have been a part of this effort."

Added State Rep. Tim Brennan, who represents the 29th House District, "It's no secret that we live in a changing world and each time I get a chance to interact with students here in Central Bucks, I like to talk to them about the big issues facing their generation. This bill sets boundaries on technology — it manages the risks of pervasive, often market-driven technology and preserves a space for genuine human development. I know it will take some time for young people to appreciate what this bill is doing, but I'm very thankful for the Governor's leadership on this issue, our local senator, and all of the legislators who've helped make this happen."