PA House passes bill requiring bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Pennsylvania lawmakers Monday moved closer to establishing a statewide restriction on student cell phone use in public schools.

The state House of Representatives passed legislation requiring "bell-to-bell" phone bans during the school day.

House Bill 1814 would prohibit students from using or possessing cell phones in public schools throughout the school day.

It requires devices to be secured in a way that prevents access until dismissal.

The bill includes exceptions for emergency situations and medical needs approved by school administrators.

The vote was 126-75, splitting both parties. Twenty Democrats joined 55 Republicans in voting against the bill.

They included Rep. Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton, and Rep. Ana Tiburcio, D-Lehigh.

Attempts to reach both lawmakers to discuss their votes were not immediately successful.

But Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, said his 'yes' vote "was a no-brainer."

"Every piece of research shows how damaging cell phones and school can be," Schlossberg said.

"What we did was pass legislation that can set a minimum policy standard for what we expect schools to do when it goes to cell phones. The more we can get them out of our kids' hands, the better."

The measure now advances to the state Senate for consideration.

The Senate in February passed its own piece of legislation requiring schools to implement a bell-to-bell cell phone ban. On May 6 it was re-referred to the House Appropriations committee.

'Our children need this bill'

The legislation comes in response to calls from Gov. Josh Shapiro and educators across the state, who have argued that unrestricted phone access is undermining classroom focus and student engagement.

"Our kids deserve to learn in a classroom that's free from distraction and where they can spend real time together, free from screens," a Facebook post from Shapiro's office said.

“Our children need this bill,” Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, the bill’s prime sponsor, said in a news release Monday.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work to get this bill to this point, but it’s been worth the effort. Research shows that unfettered access to devices is harming our children, and many educators tell me this bill is desperately needed.

“Governor Shapiro has urged the General Assembly to send him a bill banning cell phones in schools, and I urge the Senate to send this bill to his desk for the benefit of our children.”

'More engaged in their learning'

Some Pennsylvania school districts, including Bethlehem Area, already impose restrictions on cell phone use, but supporters of the bill argue that a statewide standard is needed to ensure consistency.

“While some school districts already restrict cell phones in schools, many do not,” Steele said, noting the need for uniform policy across the state.

According to Education Week, nearly 40 states have enacted restrictions on cell phone use in schools. Twenty-nine states have adopted full “bell-to-bell” or “away for the day” policies.

The bill’s passage has sparked strong reactions among parents on social media, reflecting both support and opposition.

Some parents backed the proposal, citing concerns about declining attention spans and classroom disruption.

One reader said he supports the measure because students are “losing focus in school” and need fewer distractions during instructional time.

“This bill gives students a real opportunity to regain focus in the classroom, pay closer attention, and be more engaged in their learning,” Luis Antonio Rivera wrote on the LehighValleyNews.com Facebook, while also urging schools to improve engagement strategies.

Other commenters opposed the approach, arguing that a blanket prohibition goes too far and shifts responsibility away from families.

One parent, Dave Aye, called the policy “collective punishment,” arguing that discipline around phone use should be handled at home rather than through state mandate.

Another, Melanie Nevel, said she would prefer her kids have a cell phone in case of emergencies.

Still, many responses on were firmly supportive.

“About time,” “I totally agree,” and “100% YES!!!,” commenters wrote, reflecting broad parental concern over phone use in schools.

The Senate is expected to take up the legislation in coming weeks.