Responding to calls from Gov. Josh Shapiro and educators across the state, the state House recently passed a bill on a bipartisan vote to restrict cellphone use in Pennsylvania schools.

House Bill 1814 would prohibit students in public schools from using or possessing a cellphone during the school day. Students would be required to secure their phones in a way that prevents access until the end of the day, with exceptions for certain emergency and medical needs approved by school administrators.

House Bill 1814 now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

“Our children need this bill,” Steele said. “It’s taken a lot of hard work to get this bill to this point, but it’s been worth the effort. Research shows that unfettered access to devices is harming our children, and many educators tell me this bill is desperately needed. Gov. Shapiro has urged the General Assembly to send him a bill banning cellphones in schools, and I urge the Senate to send this bill to his desk for the benefit of our children.”

While some school districts already restrict cellphones in schools, Steele noted that many do not. That is why a statewide standard is needed, she said.

Nearly 40 states currently restrict cellphone use in schools, according to Education Week. Twenty-nine states enforce a full “bell-to-bell” ban, also known as an “away for a day” policy.

Contributed article