Bipartisan Bill to Prohibit Student Cellphone Use During School Day Passes Senate Education Committee

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee advanced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37), Vince Hughes (D-7), and Steve Santarsiero (D-10) to require public schools across the commonwealth to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day. The legislation received unanimous approval.

Senate Bill 1014 aims to curb classroom distractions, improve academic performance, and address growing concerns about youth mental health and social development.

"The evidence is overwhelming - student cellphone use in schools is harming learning, social skills, and emotional well-being," the senators said. "Today's bipartisan vote reflects a shared commitment to creating healthier, more focused school environments where students can learn without constant digital interruption."

The bill would require each school district to develop its own "bell-to-bell" cellphone policy, but the standard will be consistent statewide: students may not use cellphones during the school day. Districts retain flexibility to choose the enforcement method that works best for their communities. The bill includes exceptions for medical needs, IEPs requiring a communication device, English-language learners using translation apps, and limited instructional use with teacher and administrator permission.

The senators emphasized that schools, educators, and parents across Pennsylvania have increasingly expressed concern about the role of smartphones in contributing to anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and reduced classroom engagement.

"This legislation is about giving students the chance to be present - with their teachers, with their peers, and with their learning," the senators said. "We're proud to lead this effort and grateful for the strong support behind it."

The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

Sens. Robinson, Hughes, and Santarsiero recently published an op-ed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette calling for the state to implement a bell-to-bell cellphone policy in schools, citing a growing body of research and strong public opinion in favor of cellphone-free schools.

For more information, visit senatorrobinson.com/cellphones_in_school/.

Video: Sen. Robinson committee remarks
Sen. Santarsiero committee remarks

CONTACT: Stephanie Applegate (Robinson)
Jessica Marpe (Hughes)
Sarah Jones (Santarsiero)