HARRISBURG, Pa. - A bipartisan proposal to ban student cellphone use during the school day in Pennsylvania public schools is moving forward in the state legislature. The Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 1014 on Tuesday, sending the measure to the full Senate for consideration.

The legislation, sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37), Vince Hughes (D-7) and Steve Santarsiero (D-10), would require every school district in the commonwealth to adopt a policy prohibiting student cellphone use. The bill mandates a “bell-to-bell” restriction, meaning students would not be permitted to use their devices from the start of the school day until the final dismissal bell.

While the state would set the restriction standard, the bill allows individual school districts to retain flexibility regarding enforcement. School boards would determine the specific methods that work best for their communities to ensure compliance.

The legislation includes several specific exceptions to the ban. Students may still use devices if they have documented medical needs or if their Individualized Education Program (IEP) requires a communication device. Exceptions also apply to English-language learners who use phones for translation services and for limited instructional use if approved by a teacher or administrator.

The sponsors argued that the legislation is necessary to address declining mental health, academic performance, and social skills among youth.

“The evidence is overwhelming — student cellphone use in schools is harming learning, social skills, and emotional well-being,” the senators said in a joint statement. “Today’s bipartisan vote reflects a shared commitment to creating healthier, more focused school environments where students can learn without constant digital interruption”.

Data supporting the legislation highlights the frequency of digital interruptions teens face. Research indicates that teenagers receive an average of 237 notifications on their phones daily. Legislators noted that this constant buzzing and ringing disrupts not only the phone’s owner but the entire class, creating a difficult environment for educators attempting to maintain focus.

The bill’s supporters also pointed to data linking smartphone use to mental health struggles. Between 2010 and 2019, depression rates among teens increased by approximately 150%, and the suicide rate for children ages 10 to 14 tripled between 2007 and 2021. Additionally, 45% of teens report feeling overwhelmed by drama on social media.

Academic concerns are also a driving force behind the bill. Math and reading scores dropped in 2012 for the first time in 25 years, starting a downward trend that has continued.

If enacted, Pennsylvania would join 27 other states that have restricted these devices, including New York, Virginia and Florida. Currently, 18 of those states maintain similar “bell-to-bell” bans.

Public and professional support for such measures appears to be growing. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center poll, 74% of U.S. adults support banning cellphone use for middle and high school students during class. Furthermore, 72% of high school teachers identify cellphone distraction as a major problem in their classrooms.

“This legislation is about giving students the chance to be present — with their teachers, with their peers, and with their learning,” the senators said.

The bill now awaits a vote by the full Senate.