The Pennsylvania Senate on Tuesday passed legislation that would require public school districts across the commonwealth to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day.
Senate Bill 1014, sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37), Vincent Hughes (D-7), and Steve Santarsiero (D-10), establishes a statewide “bell-to-bell” standard limiting cellphone use from the start to the end of the school day.
Under the proposal, students would be prohibited from using personal cellphones throughout the school day, rather than only during classroom instruction. Supporters of the bill say bell-to-bell policies differ from existing instructional-time bans by also restricting phone use during lunch periods, between classes, and other non-instructional times.
The bill allows school districts to determine how the policy is implemented and enforced locally, including decisions on where phones are stored during the day. Districts would also retain discretion over enforcement procedures.
The legislation includes several exemptions, including for students with medical needs, students whose individualized education plans require the use of a personal communication device, English language learners who use phones for translation, limited instructional use approved by a school principal, and single-day special events such as field days or science fairs.
Supporters cited concerns about classroom distractions, student academic performance, and youth mental health. According to data referenced by bill sponsors, teen depression rates have increased significantly since the early 2010s, while suicide rates among children ages 10 to 14 have risen sharply over the past decade. Additional data cited indicate high daily screen time among teens and widespread exposure to cyberbullying.
The Pennsylvania State Education Association announced its support for the bill in October 2025, citing potential benefits for student well-being and classroom engagement.
If enacted, Pennsylvania would become the 29th state to impose restrictions on student cellphone use, joining 19 states that currently enforce bell-to-bell bans.
Senate Bill 1014 now moves to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for consideration.
