Pa. House approves restrictions on cell phones in schools

Harrisburg, Pa. — On June 1, the Pa. House of Representatives voted to pass House Bill 1814, which would prohibit students in public schools from using or possessing a cell phone during the school day.

If passed, the bill would require students to secure their phones in a way that prevents access until the end of the day, with exceptions possible for certain emergency and medical needs approved by school administrators.

The bill passed the House with 126 “yea” votes and 75 “nay” votes. Both support and opposition for the bill were bipartisan.

House Bill 1814 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

“Our children need this bill,” said the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Mandy Steele. “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.”

While some school districts already restrict cell phones in schools, Steele pointed out that many do not. She said that this discrepancy is why a statewide standard is needed.

Nearly 40 states currently restrict cell phone use in schools, according to Education Week. Twenty-nine states enforce a full “bell-to-bell” ban, also known as an “away for a day” policy.