Robinson, Hughes, Santarsiero Bill to Implement a Bell-to-Bell Ban on Student Cellphone Use During School Day Passes Senate
HARRISBURG – February 4, 2026 − The Pennsylvania Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37), Vincent Hughes (D-7), and Steve Santarsiero (D-10) to require public schools across the commonwealth to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day.
Senate Bill 1014 aims to curb classroom distractions, improve student academic performance, and address growing concerns about youth mental health and social development.
“Our classrooms should be places for learning, not constant notifications,” Robinson said. “This bill gives students the freedom to focus, connect with peers, and protect their mental health from the pressures of social media.”
The bill would create a consistent statewide standard: students may not use cellphones during the school day. A bell-to-bell policy differs from an instructional time ban (a policy which most Pennsylvania schools already have) in that an instructional time ban only prohibits student cellphone use during class time. Data show bell-to-bell policies are more effective than instructional time policies. Proponents of bell-to-bell bans argue that instructional time bans ignore the critical development of social skills that occur between classes, at lunch, and during other free periods throughout the school day.
“This bell-to-bell legislation will help both students and teachers get the most out of the school day,” said Hughes. “We want our students focused on learning and socializing, not glued to their screens. And we want our teachers focused on educating students, not policing the use of cell phones and fighting for their attention. Some Pennsylvania schools have already implemented the bell-to-bell policy with great results. I am hopeful we can get this legislation to the Governor’s desk to make this meaningful change happen statewide.”
Senate Bill 1014 ensures districts retain local control by giving them the flexibility to choose how to implement and enforce the standard in a way that works best for their communities, including deciding where phones must be stored throughout the day. Exceptions to the policy would be made for:
- Students with certain medical conditions,
- Students with individualized education plans that require the use of a personal communication device,
- English as a second language learners who use cellphones for translation purposes,
- Very limited instances for teachers who want to use cellphones as instructional tools with approval by the school principal, and
- Single-day special occasions like field days or science fairs.
“With the bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 1014, a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in PA K-12 schools, in the Pennsylvania Senate, we’re taking an important step toward creating more focused, distraction-free classrooms,” said Santarsiero. “I want to thank my cosponsors Senator Robinson and Senator Hughes, as well as our allies like PA Unplugged, for getting Senate Bill 1014 to this critical milestone. Governor Shapiro supports this commonsense policy, and now it’s critical that the House act quickly to send this bill to his desk so it can become law. As a former teacher, I know how essential clear, consistent rules are to supporting educators and keeping students engaged in learning.”
Schools, educators, and parents across Pennsylvania have increasingly expressed concern about the proven link between smartphones and anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and reduced classroom engagement.
Recent data reveals an alarming decline in youth mental health and academic performance, coinciding with the widespread adoption of smartphones:
- Since the early 2010s, teen depression has surged by approximately 150%, while suicide rates among children ages 10–14 have tripled between 2007 and 2021, with the steepest increases among girls.
- Today, teens receive an average of 237 notifications daily and spend nearly eight hours per day on screens — equivalent to a full-time job. On average, one and a half of these hours are during the school day.
- Nearly half of U.S. teens report experiencing cyberbullying, 45% feel overwhelmed by social media drama, and 26% say it worsens their lives.
- Research also links smartphone use before age 13 to increased aggression, emotional instability, and suicidal thoughts later in life.
Teens themselves have noticed this dramatic decline in their generation’s mental health, and they’re asking for help – the percentage of teens reporting that they want some form of restrictions on phone use during the school day rose from 60% in the spring of 2025 to 76% just a few months later in the fall of 2025.
“As a coalition of parents and caregivers, we’re thankful to the senators for agreeing that it is time for Pennsylvania to join the ranks of states leading the way on this critical, bipartisan issue,” said Kelly Marsh, parent and co-lead of PA Unplugged, a grassroots group advocating for phone-free schools in Pennsylvania. “We’ve heard from families across the Commonwealth that want a distraction-free learning environment that supports both academic success and social and emotional growth. Learning happens throughout the entire school day — in the classrooms, hallways, and lunchroom, and by removing the constant pull of the smartphone, we are giving students back their ability to focus, access their creativity, and build real, human connections.”
The Pennsylvania State Education Association, the largest teacher’s union in the state, announced their support of Senate Bill 1014 in October 2025.
“PSEA wants to thank Sens. Robinson, Santarsiero, and Hughes for leading a bipartisan coalition to take this important step, which will support Pennsylvania’s students, their overall well-being, and their academic achievement,” PSEA Vice President Jeff Ney said. “Placing greater restrictions on mobile devices during the school day will be an adjustment for students, educators, and parents. We appreciate the leadership of the senators to take up this difficult task and do the right thing for our kids.”
If enacted, Pennsylvania would join 28 states with student cellphone restrictions — including 19 states enforcing bell‑to‑bell bans.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Sens. Robinson, Hughes, and Santarsiero recently published an op-ed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette calling for the state to implement a bell-to-bell cellphone policy in schools, citing a growing body of research and strong public opinion in favor of cellphone-free schools.
For more information, visit www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com/cellphonefreeschools
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Senator Santarsiero Speaks in Support of SB 1014 on the Senate Floor – February 3, 2026
Senator Santarsiero Speaks in Support of SB 1014 on the Senate Floor
Cellphone ban in PA schools closer to reality after this vote
Pennsylvania could soon follow more than half the states in the country in restricting cellphone use in schools if a bipartisan bill continues moving through the General Assembly.
Senate Bill 1014 would require school districts to prohibit students from using cellphones during the instructional day. Exceptions would include specific instructional use and students who need them to assist with disabilities or other conditions of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Sen. Santarsiero Bill Would Ban Student Phones In Schools
School districts — whether public or private — across the commonwealth may be required to draft a policy prohibiting student cellphones with limited exceptions following a unanimous vote in the state Senate Education Committee Tuesday.
State Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny) and Steven Santarsiero (D-Bucks) introduced the bill to address the “growing issue” of cellphones in schools, where the devices can cause distractions and disrupt learning.
Santarsiero finds strong local support for proposed cellphone ban
A Central Bucks West High School teacher said at a meeting Tuesday evening that the learning environment at CB West has improved dramatically now that students can no longer use their cellphones in class.
“This year has been absolutely wonderful” compared to last year, said psychology teacher Christie Besack.
The difference is a ban on smartphones during instructional time.
Senator Steve Santarsiero and Senator Devlin Robinson speak in support of SB 1014 at the Senate Education Committee
Cell Phone-Free Schools Webinar
School Cell Phone Use Bill Under Discussion In Bucks Co.
LOWER BUCKS COUNTY – A bill on how to eliminate cell phone use in schools will be discussed during a webinar on Tuesday night.
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-10) was among state legislators who introduced a bill in October for a “bell-to-bell policy” prohibiting students from using cell phones and other non-academic smart devices during the school day, with certain exceptions.
Devlin Robinson, Vincent J. Hughes and Steve Santarsiero: Kids don’t need their cell phones in school
When the effort to restrict student cellphone use in schools first began two years ago, it was met with skepticism. Some thought it was unrealistic. Others worried it would create new enforcement headaches for teachers or intrude on parents’ ability to reach their children during the school day.
But since then, the conversation has shifted dramatically and decisively. What was once a fringe idea is now a mainstream movement.
Devlin Robinson, Vincent J. Hughes and Steve Santarsiero: Kids don’t need their cell phones in school
When the effort to restrict student cellphone use in schools first began two years ago, it was met with skepticism. Some thought it was unrealistic. Others worried it would create new enforcement headaches for teachers or intrude on parents’ ability to reach their children during the school day.
But since then, the conversation has shifted dramatically and decisively. What was once a fringe idea is now a mainstream movement.
Senator Steve Santarsiero Hosts Webinar to Discuss Cell Phone-Free Schools
BUCKS COUNTY – December 3, 2025 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) is hosting a webinar to discuss the impact of cell phones in schools. The event will be on Tuesday, December 9th at 7pm on Zoom.
Senator Santarsiero will be joined during the webinar by Kirstin McGowan, a local parent and advocate with Wait Until 8th and PA Unplugged, Christie Besack, a psychology teacher at Central Bucks West High School and Mitch Prinstein, Ph.D., ABPP. Dr. Prinstein serves as Chief of Psychology at the American Psychological Association, and as the John Van Seters Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the Co-Director of the Winston Center on Technology and Brain Development.
Each year, more studies show that constant smartphone use is harming kids academically, socially, and emotionally. Teens now spend nearly eight hours a day on their phones, equivalent to a full-time job, and receive an average of 237 notifications daily. This nonstop connectivity is linked to serious mental health challenges in early adulthood, including anxiety, aggression, emotional instability, and suicidal thoughts.
“We can no longer ignore the impact phones are having on students and our schools. That’s why I introduced SB 1014 with senators Vincent Hughes (D-7) and Devlin Robinson (R-37),” Senator Santarsiero said. “The bill would establish a bell-to-bell policy prohibiting students from using cell phones and other non-academic smart devices during the school day, with certain exceptions. Each district would craft its own implementation plan after public comment and community input. We want to make sure we’re protecting our students while maintaining local control over how this law would be implemented.”
Many states have already enacted laws to keep schools cell phone-free and they see children focusing more on learning, developing meaningful relationships with their peers and improving childhood mental health.
The event is free and open to all community members.
Interested attendees can RSVP here and submit your questions in advance. The link to join the webinar will be sent out one day prior to the event on December 8th.
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State Senator Steve Santarsiero Hosts Panel and Community Discussion at Bucks County Community College on Cell Phone-Free Schools
State Senator Steve Santarsiero believes managing cell phone use is needed to help mitigate the impacts on Pennsylvania students.
He hosted a panel Thursday night at Bucks County Community College to engage the community in a discussion about the benefits of cell phone-free schools.
Alongside Santarsiero, Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis Marseglia; Kirstin McGowan, Parent and Advocate with Wait Until 8th; Christie Besack, Central Bucks West High School Psychology teacher, and Kassandra Castillo, Bucks County Community College student, covered the impacts of cell phone use on students, the benefits of cell phone bans, and different policies regarding cell phone use.
Pennsylvania Senate Weighing School Cellphone Ban
(TNS) — The state Senate is poised to move forward on legislation to restrict cellphones in K-12 schools, although the specifics of the policy — whether an outright ban, or something less stringent — are still being worked out.
At a hearing held by the Senate Education Committee Tuesday, the majority of those who testified supported some type of statewide rule restricting student phone use, although details on the restrictions are expected to be left up to school districts.
Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prohibit Student Cellphone Use in Pennsylvania Schools
HARRISBURG – October 10, 2025 − Citing the steep decline in youth mental health and academic performance during the past decade, Sens. Vincent Hughes (D-7), Steve Santarsiero (D-10), and Devlin Robinson (R-37) today announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation requiring Pennsylvania schools to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day. Each individual school district will be responsible for crafting a policy that works best for their community.
“Right now, cell phones and social media are causing a detrimental impact to learning, socialization, and mental health in schools. Data shows that 72% of U.S. high school teachers say cellphone distraction is a major problem in the classroom,” said Senator Hughes. “Bell-to-bell legislation is a commonsense approach to getting kids off of their screens and social media during school hours and back to what’s happening in the classroom.”
Senate Bill 1014 would require schools to implement all-day cellphone-free policies, with reasonable exceptions including students with medical conditions; students with individualized education plans requiring the use of a personal communication device; English language learners who rely on translation apps; and limited teacher-approved instructional use with approval from the school principal.
Research underscores the urgency of the problem. Since the early 2010s — when smartphone ownership among teens skyrocketed from 23% to 73% — rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among adolescents have surged. The suicide rate for children ages 10–14 has tripled since 2007. In addition, half of all teens say they have experienced cyberbullying at least once.
“Each year, more studies are showing the negative impact of constant smartphone use on the academic, social and emotional development of our children. The impact of these addictive devices in schools cannot be ignored,” said Senator Santarsiero. “Removing phones from our schools will help students focus during class, engage in healthier interactions with their peers, and improve student mental health.”
Academically, schools have also seen performance decline. Math and reading scores began dropping for the first time in 25 years in 2012 — the same period that marked the rapid rise of smartphone and social media use among teens. According to national surveys, 74% of adults and 90% of teachers favor prohibiting cellphone use during class time, while 75% of teachers support full bell-to-bell bans.
“Children are struggling emotionally, socially, and academically. The data is clear: smartphones are playing a major role,” Senator Robinson said. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle to ensure Pennsylvania students have the opportunity to learn and connect with one another without a constant distraction in their pocket.”
Studies show that schools with cellphone restrictions see improved academic outcomes, better classroom behavior, and stronger student relationships. Many Pennsylvania schools that have already implemented these policies report that students are engaging more with each other during free time and paying closer attention in class.
“A bell-to-bell phone-free school policy in Pennsylvania will help our kids get the space and place to focus on academics without the distractions,” said Kirstin McGowan, co-lead of PA Unplugged, a grassroots group advocating for phone-free schools in Pennsylvania. “Restricting access to personal electronic devices during the school day will help drive student engagement with teachers, classmates, and staff; they will get to have a safe space to grow and become the best versions of themselves; and we as taxpayers get to feel more confident that our investment in education isn’t wasted by distracted kids.”
If enacted, Pennsylvania would join 27 other states that have restricted cellphone use in schools. Eighteen of those states enforce all-day bans.
The legislation now awaits consideration by the Senate.
WATCH: Senator Steven Santarsiero hosts a community discussion on cellphone-free schools (September 2025)
WATCH: Congressman Chris Deluzio and PA State Senator Devlin Robinson host a community discussion on student access to cellphones in school (August 2025)
Learn more about the risks of childhood smartphone use from local advocacy group PA Unplugged.
Pa. senators push bill mandating cellphone-free school days
Harrisburg, Pa. — Citing the steep decline in youth mental health and academic performance during the past decade, Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37), Vince Hughes (D-7), and Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced yesterday the introduction of bipartisan legislation requiring Pennsylvania schools to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day.
Each individual school district will be responsible for crafting a policy that works best for their community.
Community Discussion: Cell Phone-Free Schools
Panel To Discuss Student Cell Phone Bans
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat, will host the event Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Zlock Auditorium at the Bucks County Community College’s Newtown Township campus.
The event will feature a panel to share information and resources regarding the impact of smartphones and other mobile devices on students in school and the potential benefits of banning their use during school hours.
Senator Santarsiero to Host Community Discussion on Cell Phone-Free Schools
BUCKS COUNTY — September 18, 2025 — State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) will host a community discussion on cell phone-free schools on Thursday, September 25th at 7:30PM in the Zlock Auditorium at the Bucks County Community College campus in Newtown Township.
“Each year, more studies are showing the negative impact of constant smartphone use on the academic, social and emotional development of our children. The impact of these addictive devices in schools cannot be ignored,” said Senator Santarsiero. “Removing phones from our schools will help students focus in class, engage in healthier interactions with their peers and improve student mental health.”
The community discussion on September 25th will feature a panel who will share information and resources on the topic. Panelists will include a student from Bucks County Community College, Kirstin McGowan, a parent and advocate with Wait Until 8th, Christie Besack, a psychology teacher at Central Bucks West High School and Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia.
The conversation will focus on the impact of smartphones and other mobile devices on students in school and the benefits to banning cell phones and other smart devices during school hours.
The event is open to all community members. RSVP is requested at www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com/communitydiscussion.
Senator Santarsiero is currently working on bi-partisan legislation with Senators Vincent Hughes (D-7) and Devlin Robinson (R-37) to ban cell phone use by students in schools, bell-to-bell from kindergarten through 12th grade.
“This is an issue that impacts families throughout our community, our Commonwealth and our country,” continued Senator Santarsiero. “Other states are ahead of us on this and reporting very positive results from students and teachers. Our students deserve every opportunity to thrive in school and removing the distraction of cell phones is an important step.”
Thirty-five states currently limit student phone use in school, with 17 states and the District of Columbia implementing bell-to-bell bans. Pennsylvania does not currently have a statewide policy, though some school districts have policies in place.
The 10th Senate District includes Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont Borough, Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township, Falls Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville Borough, New Britain Borough, New Britain Township, New Hope Borough, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Plumstead Township, Solebury Township, Tullytown Borough, Upper Makefield Township and Yardley Borough.