A Pennsylvania House committee moved forward Tuesday with a bill that would require school districts across the state to adopt policies restricting student use of mobile devices during the school day.
The House Education Committee voted to report House amended Bill 1814. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, seeks to establish what lawmakers call “bell-to-bell” mobile device policies within the state’s public school code. The term refers to the period from the start of the first instructional period to the end of the final class.
The proposal has received support from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, reflecting a bipartisan interest in classroom management and student well-being. Among the co-sponsors are Rep. Craig Staats, R-Bucks, and Rep. Jill Cooper, R-Westmoreland, alongside several Democratic representatives from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
If the bill becomes law, it will formally amend the Public School Code of 1949. The primary goal of the legislation is to create a uniform requirement for districts to regulate how and when students can access smartphones and other personal electronic devices. While some districts already have individual rules, this bill would mandate that every public school in the commonwealth implement a specific policy.
The text of the legislation specifies that these policies must prohibit the use of mobile devices by students during instructional time. Under the proposed rules, students would be required to keep their devices turned off and stored in a designated area, such as a locker or a secure pouch, from the start of the first bell until the end of the school day.
Exceptions are included for students who require mobile devices for documented medical reasons or as part of an individualized education program. The bill also allows for device use if a teacher grants permission for a specific educational purpose or in the event of an emergency that threatens the safety of students or staff.
Supporters of the measure argue that limiting access to phones can help reduce distractions in the classroom. Educators have frequently raised concerns that social media notifications and messaging apps interfere with the ability of students to focus on lessons. Additionally, lawmakers cited concerns regarding student mental health and the loss of face-to-face social interaction as reasons for the mandate.
The bill now awaits further consideration and a potential vote by the full House of Representatives before it can move to the state Senate.