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HARRISBURG \u2212 October 21, 2026 \u2212 Legislation sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37)<\/a>, Vincent Hughes (D-7)<\/a> and Steve Santarseiro (D-10)<\/a> addressing student cellphone use during school is almost law. \u00a0<\/p>\n Senate Bill 1014<\/a> would require Pennsylvania schools to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day, with some limited exceptions. The bill also maintains local control by allowing each school district to decide how to ensure students are not using their cellphones throughout the school day.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m thrilled we were able to pass our bipartisan bell-to-bell legislation in Pennsylvania,\u201d said Hughes. \u201cData shows 45% of teens report feeling overwhelmed by drama on social media, and 26% report feeling worse about themselves because of what\u2019s happening on their phones. This new law will remove that distraction during school time and limit the strain on students\u2019 mental health, allowing them to focus on the classroom and socializing with peers.\u201d<\/p>\n Exceptions would be made for:<\/p>\n Students or immediate family members with certain medical conditions; \u201cToday is a victory for our students who, starting next school year, will learn in classrooms free from the distraction of phones and personal smart devices,\u201d said Santarsiero. \u201cAs a former teacher, I know exactly how important this legislation is for improving our school outcomes and providing our children a safe environment for learning. I\u2019m proud of the coalition of legislators, parents, teachers, and school administrators who came together to move this bill through the house and senate. I look forward to seeing Governor Shapiro sign it into law.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to get cellphones out of our classrooms and let kids focus on learning,\u201d said Robinson. \u201cTeachers should not have to compete with smartphones for their students\u2019 attention, and kids should be able to get through the school day without the constant pressure of social media and notifications. Senate Bill 1014 establishes a clear statewide standard while allowing school districts to decide what works best for their communities. It\u2019s time to put our students\u2019 education and well-being first and make Pennsylvania schools cellphone-free.\u201d<\/p>\n The bill addresses classroom distractions while responding to growing concerns about the effects of smartphones and social media on young people\u2019s mental health<\/a>. Constant connectivity can make it harder for students to focus during class and may expose them to cyberbullying and other online pressures throughout the school day.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are thankful to the senators for ensuring that every Pennsylvania student has the best learning environment: a school day free from the constant pull of addictive devices and harmful algorithms,\u201d said Kelly Marsh, parent and co-lead of PA Unplugged. \u201cThis law won\u2019t solve the youth mental health crisis on its own, but it will give our kids at least six hours a day to focus on their learning, connect with their peers, and build the foundational skills they need to be healthy and successful adults.\u201d<\/p>\n The Pennsylvania State Education Association, the largest teacher\u2019s union in the state, announced their support of Senate Bill 1014<\/a> in October 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cWe commend Sens. Robinson, Hughes, and Santarsiero, Rep. Steele, and 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,\u201d said Aaron Chapin, president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. \u201cThis 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 academic performance, student behavior, and mental health.\u201d<\/p>\n If enacted, Pennsylvania would join 40 states in restricting these devices \u2013 19 of which have bell-to-bell bans.<\/p>\n Senate Bill 1014 now heads to the governor\u2019s desk for his signature.<\/p>\n For more information, visit Robinson\u2019s Senate Bill 1014 website.<\/a><\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n ROBINSON CONTACT: Stephanie Applegate<\/a><\/p>\n
\nEnglish as a second language learners who use cellphones for translation purposes;
\nSingle-day special occasions like field days or science fairs;
\nStudents with individualized education plans that require the use of a personal communication device; and
\nVery limited instances for teachers who want to use cellphones as instructional tools with approval by the school principal.<\/p>\n