DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bill Monday banning cell phones in schools starting next school year.
“Now it is law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said as he signed the bill into law at Lenape Middle School in Doylestown, Bucks County. “Get the distractions out of our classrooms.”
Starting next school year, no cell phones are allowed in Pennsylvania schools from the first bell to the final dismissal bell.
“It’s been really, really great for our kids,” said Lenape Middle School band director Sean Cohen.
The Central Bucks School District has had a cell phone ban for the past two years.
“I have friends who are on all parts of the spectrum when it comes to technology and AI,” said student Sanjana Chamarty. “Being able to really disconnect from the digital world has done a lot for me.”
No phones in the classroom, during lunch, at recess, or in the halls.
“The expectation is that they’re off and away and that they stay in the locker, and if phones are found in use during class time, there’s disciplinary action and parent contact,” said Cohen.
School districts will have flexibility on how to store the phones, whether it be putting phones in lockers, pouches, or designated storage areas.
School districts will also have to create an emergency notification procedure and security contact plan to ease concerns.
“So that parents know how to get in touch with their kids, God forbid there be an emergency,” Shapiro said.
Top Stories
Some parents said they’re seeing several benefits.
“Educational, but also just for their mental health and ability to build relationships with other kids,” said Kirstin McGowan, parent and co-lead of PA Unplugged.
“This is massive,” said Alex Becker, co-lead of PA Unplugged. “This is freedom from students from addictive algorithms.”
“It’s going to be interesting to see how the schools adjust and adapt,” said Dr. Elizabeth Dowdell, professor of nursing at Villanova University.
Dowdell studies the impacts of technology and said school districts will have to help some students who might have more trouble separating from their phones.
“We can determine when it’s on, when it’s off, when it’s asleep, and I think that those are good boundaries that we can encourage parents, so that when kids come to school, it’s not a new experience of being separated from their phone,” said Dowdell.
At least 25 states already have cell phone bans in schools, including New Jersey. Delaware has a law limiting the use of cell phones in schools.
There will be a few exemptions to allow limited use of cell phones during the school day for students with medical needs, those in certain educational programs, and for English language learners who might need it for translations.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
