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Pa. moves closer to statewide school cellphone ban as state Senate advances a bill
Gov. Shapiro also signaled this week that he supports banning cellphones from schoolsPittsburgh Post-Gazette link: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2026/02/06/school-cell-phone-ban-pennsylvania/stories/202602040097
A statewide policy of banning cellphones in schools has taken a step forward this week as Gov. Josh Shapiro and other elected officials have voiced support for the idea.
The state Senate passed a bill, 46-1, Tuesday that would make public schools across Pennsylvania adopt policies prohibiting students from using cell phones during the school day. The legislation seeks to limit classroom distractions, improve academic performance and address concerns about youth mental health and social development, according to Senate Republicans.
“Our classrooms should be places for learning, not constant notifications,” said state Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Bridgeville, who co-sponsored the bill. “This bill gives students the freedom to focus, connect with peers, and protect their mental health from the pressures of social media.”
The legislation has bipartisan support. A similar bill, co-sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Mandy Steele, of Fox Chapel, has yet to reach the House floor for a vote.
When it does, however, Mr. Shapiro, a Democrat, appears poised to sign the proposal into law. The governor has made recent comments, including this week during his state budget address, stating his support for the legislation.
- more at link -
The state Senate passed a bill, 46-1, Tuesday that would make public schools across Pennsylvania adopt policies prohibiting students from using cell phones during the school day. The legislation seeks to limit classroom distractions, improve academic performance and address concerns about youth mental health and social development, according to Senate Republicans.
“Our classrooms should be places for learning, not constant notifications,” said state Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Bridgeville, who co-sponsored the bill. “This bill gives students the freedom to focus, connect with peers, and protect their mental health from the pressures of social media.”
The legislation has bipartisan support. A similar bill, co-sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Mandy Steele, of Fox Chapel, has yet to reach the House floor for a vote.
When it does, however, Mr. Shapiro, a Democrat, appears poised to sign the proposal into law. The governor has made recent comments, including this week during his state budget address, stating his support for the legislation.
Any parent of a teenager knows that their child already spends too much time on the phone. This is a wise move, and I'm happy to hear that both parties are working together on this issue. The City of Pittsburgh has already banned electronic devices during regular school hours, starting with the 2026-27 school year..
