Shapiro signs law banning cell phones in Pennsylvania schools from first bell to last

Pennsylvania students will have to put their phones away for the full school day under a law Gov. Josh Shapiro signed on Monday.

Shapiro, a Democrat, held the signing at a Doylestown middle school, Lenape, part of the Bucks County district known as Central Bucks. According to 6abc, that district has already enforced its own phone ban for roughly two years. WHYY said the measure is Senate Bill 1014.

The restriction begins in the 2027-28 school year, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer and WHYY. WHYY reported that it covers every type of school in the state, including private, charter and cyber charter schools as well as traditional public ones. Under the rule, phones are off limits in hallways, at recess and during lunch, not only in class, 6abc reported.

According to the Inquirer, Shapiro said each school will decide its own method of enforcement. 6abc reported that options include keeping devices in lockers, in pouches or in a set storage spot. "This is a bell-to-bell ban, but one size doesn't fit all," Shapiro said, according to WHYY.

6abc and WHYY reported that schools will need to inform families of their rules and explain how to reach students if an emergency occurs. Asked about parents worried about losing direct contact with their children, Shapiro said, "We shouldn't accept the idea that a cell phone is going to make a kid safer," the Inquirer reported. He added that keeping firearms from people who should not possess them was the priority.

Limited exceptions apply. Students who need devices for medical reasons or disability accommodations may use them, as may English learners relying on translation tools, and 6abc said some educational programs also qualify.

Lawmakers from both parties supported the bill, and Pennsylvania's biggest teachers union endorsed it, the Inquirer reported. The paper also noted that numerous districts have hesitated to impose all-day bans, with some pointing to difficulty enforcing them. WHYY reported that state Rep. Mandy Steele of Pittsburgh, who wrote the House version, called young people's technology use a public health crisis.

The outlets differed slightly on how many states have similar policies. WHYY reported that 26 other states already have statewide all-day restrictions, while 6abc put the figure at a minimum of 25 states, New Jersey among them.

Speakers backing the policy at the event included a Lenape band director and leaders of the parent group PA Unplugged, 6abc reported. The station also quoted a Villanova University nursing professor who said some students may need support adjusting.

The Inquirer pointed out that the signing took place eight days ahead of the Nov. 3 election, in which Shapiro is running for a second term. Also attending were Central Bucks Superintendent Joanna Wexler, state Sen. Steve Santarsiero and Rep. Tim Brennan; both legislators are Democrats representing Bucks County.

Compiled by True News from reporting by 6abc Action News, CBS Philadelphia, WHYY and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/493