Bill advances mandating bell-to-bell cellphone bans in Pa. schools

School districts — whether public or private — across the commonwealth may be required to draft a policy prohibiting student cellphones with limited exceptions following a unanimous vote in the state Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny) and Steven Santarsiero (D-Bucks) introduced the bill to address the “growing issue” of cellphones in schools, where the devices can cause distractions and disrupt learning.

“We know these devices are addictive. As adults, we know how difficult it is not to pick up our phones during meetings and other inopportune times. Imagine how difficult it is for children who are still developing self control,” said Robinson.

Robinson, and others, shared concerns that students also missed out on social growth opportunities, such as face-to-face communication and teamwork. He pointed to studies linking screen time to emotional instability and disrupted brain development in teens.

Following an amendment, phones will be banned at the start of the 2027-28 school year, with exceptions for students with medical conditions or individualized education plans that require a communication device.

Though committee members broadly supported the bipartisan proposal, several lawmakers pitched potential revisions. Sen. Dawn Keefer (R-York) wondered if some students might try to get an individualized education plan — which is often used for students with disabilities to get appropriate accommodations — in order to get phone access.

“I wish the schools would take the initiative and do it themselves,” said Keefer, noting that some of her districts had different policies for middle grades versus high schools. “This is the problem with us doing one size fits all.”

Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny) said she had received “mixed feedback” on the proposal, and hoped a future version would better detail the process for public comment and include greater flexibility for exceptions.

“I just don’t believe that we have a crystal ball as legislators,” said Williams.

The committee held a hearing on the topic this past October, while its House counterparts heard from parents and teachers last month.

Following Tuesday’s vote, the bill will now be considered before the full Senate.