Bipartisan ‘bell-to-bell’ school cellphone ban signed into law
Gov. Josh Shapiro formally signed Senate Bill 1014, a statewide “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban in elementary, middle and high schools, on Monday, Oct. 26.
The bill effectively prohibits students from mobile device usage in Pennsylvania’s schools during the school day.
The bill, which had multiple Democratic and Republican cosponsors, received majority support from both parties. Some opposing votes came from members of both parties as well.
It passed in the state Senate 47-3 and in the House of Representatives 141-62, and was openly supported by Shapiro.
“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,” Shapiro said at the bill signing.
The new law takes effect at the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.
The bill outlines exceptions for documented medical needs, special education or disability accommodations, English language learning devices and other preapproved purposes. Schools will be required to notify parents of emergency communication procedures, provide opportunities for public input and publish their policies online.
Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47th, who cosponsored the bill, and Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, voted in favor of the bill. Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, Rep. Brandon Dukes, D-12th, and Rep. Tim Bonner, R-17th, also voted in favor.
Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-8th, was the lone Butler County representative to vote against the bill.
“I am for the policy in principle. I don’t think kids should necessarily have cellphones in schools,” Bernstine said. “That said, every school district and every place operates differently and every student has a different need. To me, that decision is already being made at the local level … so I don’t think a state law needed to be done in order to force that on local school districts.”
The bill also received support from educators across Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Education Association put out a statement framing the new law as a positive for students and teachers, helping classrooms avoid disruptions to learning and keeping lessons on track.
“This bill takes an essential step toward reducing distractions for students during class time and keeping lessons and teaching on track. We are confident that this change to the school day will have a positive impact on student behavior, academic performance and mental health,” PSEA President Aaron Chapin said in the release.
The bill caused much debate while being pushed through the General Assembly. Teachers, educators and school officials argued that such a ban would keep students focused and as a result, make it easier for teachers to do their jobs uninterrupted. They also cited mental health benefits and decreases in issues, such as cyberbullying and cheating on tests.
Some parents who opposed the bill expressed concern over being able to get in touch with their children during the school day, particularly in case of an emergency.
In Butler County, school districts will not be drastically impacted by the new law. But current phone policy varies slightly by district.
Schools districts like Knoch and Slippery Rock Area restrict phone access during the day. At Karns City Area, students at the high school are supposed to keep their cellphones turned off.
Seneca Valley School District instituted its “bell-to-bell” policy at the start of the 2025-26 school year and has since touted its benefits. According to its policy, students may keep their phones with them but the staff should not see or hear them. Lisa Graham, an intermediate high school counselor, testified to Senate committees the policy yielded multiple benefits for SV students.
Others, like Butler Area School District, moved toward “bell-to-bell” policies in anticipation of Senate Bill 1014.
