HARRISBURG, Pa. — Gov. Josh Shapiro signed legislation Monday requiring Pennsylvania schools to prohibit students from using personal cellphones throughout the school day beginning with the 2027-28 school year.
The bell-to-bell restrictions will cover classroom instruction, lunch, recess and time between classes. The law applies to public, private, charter and cyber charter schools, as well as intermediate units and career and technical schools.
Shapiro signed Senate Bill 1014 at Lenape Middle School in Doylestown. Schools must adopt and implement their own policies before the start of the 2027-28 school year.
Individual schools will determine how to enforce the restrictions. The law does not require schools to take physical possession of students’ devices.
Exceptions include documented medical needs, special education or disability accommodations, devices used for English language learning and certain instructional uses approved in advance.
Before signing the legislation, Shapiro described technology as a powerful educational tool but said phones can be an “extraordinary distraction” for students.
“I think students need to spend less time focused on their phones and a whole lot more time focused on learning and developing those social skills with their neighbors,” Shapiro said. “And talking to their friends face to face, and on developing those critical life skills they’re going to need to interact with others that are going to carry them through.”
The legislation received bipartisan support, passing the state House 141-62 and the Senate 47-3.
The Pennsylvania State Education Association also supported the measure, saying the restrictions would help teachers keep lessons on track.
“We commend the bipartisan group of lawmakers who voted for this important legislation, freeing Pennsylvania students from the constant disruptions of cellphones and mobile devices during the school day,” association President Aaron Chapin said in a statement.
“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,” Chapin said.
Schools must notify families about their policies and explain how parents can contact the school during an emergency.
