A bipartisan bill that would sharply limit student cell phone use during the school day is moving forward in the Pennsylvania Senate, bringing classrooms across the state closer to uniform restrictions on mobile devices.
The Senate Education Committee this week unanimously advanced legislation requiring public school districts to adopt policies that restrict student cell phone use from the start to the end of the school day. The measure now heads to the full Senate for consideration and would also require House approval before becoming law.
The proposal is sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson of Allegheny County, Vince Hughes of Philadelphia and Steve Santarsiero of Bucks County. Supporters argue that widespread phone use in schools has undermined learning, weakened social interaction, and contributed to emotional and mental health challenges for students.
If enacted, the bill would establish a statewide standard barring cell phone use during the school day while allowing districts flexibility in how the policy is enforced. Schools could choose methods that fit their communities, including storage systems or other approaches. Exceptions would be permitted for medical needs, individualized education programs that require communication devices, English-language learners using translation tool,s and limited instructional use approved by teachers and administrators.
Across Pennsylvania, cell phone rules currently vary widely. Some schools allow phones in hallways or cafeterias, while others require students to secure devices in locked pouches upon entering the building. Several districts that adopted stricter policies this year have reported noticeable changes, including increased student interaction and higher classroom engagement.
Data from districts using locked pouch systems suggest additional benefits. Montoursville Area School District reported declines in discipline referrals of up to 25% after implementing its policy earlier this year, along with a significant drop in course failure rates.
The push in Pennsylvania reflects a broader national trend. According to the Associated Press, 35 states and the District of Columbia now have laws or rules limiting student phone use in schools, with 17 adopting new restrictions at the start of the current school year.
The Pennsylvania State Education Association has endorsed the bill, citing concerns about classroom disruptions, cyberbullying and the growing impact of mobile devices on student mental health.
In addition to the cell phone proposal, the Senate Education Committee advanced two other education measures. One would allow high school juniors and seniors to earn elective credit through work experience in healthcare and long-term care settings. Another seeks to expand access to dual-credit opportunities, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
Source: WVIA