HARRISBURG − October 21, 2026 − Legislation sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37), Vincent Hughes (D-7) and Steve Santarseiro (D-10) addressing student cellphone use during school is almost law.
Senate Bill 1014 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.
“I’m thrilled we were able to pass our bipartisan bell-to-bell legislation in Pennsylvania,” said Hughes. “Data shows 45% of teens report feeling overwhelmed by drama on social media, and 26% report feeling worse about themselves because of what’s happening on their phones. This new law will remove that distraction during school time and limit the strain on students’ mental health, allowing them to focus on the classroom and socializing with peers.”
Exceptions would be made for:
- Students or immediate family members with certain medical conditions;
- English as a second language learners who use cellphones for translation purposes;
- Single-day special occasions like field days or science fairs;
- Students with individualized education plans that require the use of a personal communication device; and
- Very limited instances for teachers who want to use cellphones as instructional tools with approval by the school principal.
“Today 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,” said Santarsiero. “As 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’m 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.”
“We need to get cellphones out of our classrooms and let kids focus on learning,” said Robinson. “Teachers should not have to compete with smartphones for their students’ 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’s time to put our students’ education and well-being first and make Pennsylvania schools cellphone-free.”
The bill addresses classroom distractions while responding to growing concerns about the effects of smartphones and social media on young people’s mental health. 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.
“We 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,” said Kelly Marsh, parent and co-lead of PA Unplugged. “This law won’t 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.”
The Pennsylvania State Education Association, the largest teacher’s union in the state, announced their support of Senate Bill 1014 in October 2025.
“We 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,” said Aaron Chapin, president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. “This 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.”
If enacted, Pennsylvania would join 40 states in restricting these devices – 19 of which have bell-to-bell bans.
Senate Bill 1014 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
For more information, visit Robinson’s Senate Bill 1014 website.
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ROBINSON CONTACT: Stephanie Applegate
HUGHEST CONTACT: Jessica Marpe
SANTARSIERO CONTACT: Sarah Jones