Pennsylvania adopts school cellphone ban
Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name. The days of school-by-school cellphone policies will soon be over in Philadelphia. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed legislation Monday requiring all Pennsylvania schools to adopt “bell-to-bell” policies to…
Pennsylvania has adopted a new school cellphone ban, requiring all schools to prohibit student cellphone use during the school day by the 2027-28 school year. Governor Josh Shapiro signed the legislation on Monday, stating that the ban is aimed at improving students' focus and social connections. The policy will be stricter than the current one in place for many Philadelphia schools, where some principals have already adopted their own versions of the ban.
The new law applies to all public and private schools, with exceptions for students with disabilities, medical needs, and English learners. Teachers can also allow cellphone use for educational purposes if a school-issued device is unavailable. The law covers all internet-connected portable devices, including those used for messaging, videos, and games.
Districts will be responsible for enforcing the new policy, but the state budget did not include additional funding for schools to implement the ban. Philadelphia principals previously spent school budgets to purchase lockable phone pouches and cabinets.
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