Central Bucks Endorses Bill Calling For Bell-To-Bell Cellphone Ban In School

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Central Bucks School Board has formally announced its support for Senate Bill 1014, a proposed state law to ban cellphones in schools throughout the entire school day.

In a unanimous vote at its February meeting, the board passed a resolution backing the legislation, which is currently under consideration by the Pennsylvania legislature.

Senate Bill 1014, co-sponsored by Bucks County State Senator Steve Santasiero, would require Pennsylvania school districts to prohibit students from using cellphones during the instructional day. The “bell-to-bell” policy would ban cellphone use for the entire school day, including between classes, at lunch, and during other free periods.

The resolution states that bell-to-bell policies are more effective than instructional time bans because they address the critical development of social skills that occur outside of classroom instruction. It notes that when students focus on screens, they may miss out on learning important social skills.

"The board believes this policy helps students focus on learning and socializing, while teachers can concentrate on educating instead of policing cellphone use," the resolution reads.

The Central Bucks School Board is urging the Bucks County state delegation, including State Reps. Kathleen Tomlinson, Tim Brennan, Perry Warren, John Galloway, Tina Davis, Joe Hogan, Shelby Labs, Brian Munroe, Craig Staats, and Kristin Marcell to publicly support and vote for the passage of Senate Bill 1014.

The bill includes exceptions for students with specific medical conditions, students with individualized education plans requiring personal communication devices, and English as a second language learners who use cellphones as instructional tools with principal approval.

The bill also allows for exceptions during single-day special occasions, like field days or science fairs. Teachers would also be permitted to use cellphones as instructional tools in limited instances and with principal approval.

The resolution cites data indicating that the average teen receives 237 notifications daily and spends approximately 90 minutes on their phone during school hours.

In February, the Senate voted to pass Senate Bill 1014 and sent the legislation to the House for consideration. Governor Josh Shapiro has announced his intention to sign the bill if it passes the House of Representatives.