Governor Shapiro Signs Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Ban into Law, Delivering on Key Budget Address Promise and Ensuring Students Can Learn Without Distractions

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October 26, 2026 - Doylestown, PA

Governor Shapiro Signs Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Ban into Law, Delivering on Key Budget Address Promise and Ensuring Students Can Learn Without Distractions

Governor Josh Shapiro visited Lenape Middle School in Bucks County with legislators, educators, parents, and students to sign Senate Bill 1014 into law, requiring all Pennsylvania public, charter, cyber charter, and private schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal cell phones throughout the school day, including during lunch, recess, and between classes.

While the use of technology in moderation can support learning, creativity, and communication, studies have shown excessive screen time can contribute to increased stress, disrupted sleep, and worsened academic performance. With the signing of this legislation, Pennsylvania joins more than two dozen other states in keeping devices out of students' hands from the start of the school day until dismissal to help them focus, engage with peers, and build social and emotional skills - delivering on a priority the Governor called for during his 2026-27 Budget Address.

"Technology is a powerful tool, but it's also a powerful distraction, and I've heard from parents and teachers who tell me about how our kids are too easily caught up by addictive algorithms that are preventing them from focusing on school, building relationships with other kids, and developing the social skills that help us all relate to each other in person," said Governor Shapiro. "I listened to those concerns from parents and teachers all across our Commonwealth and called on the General Assembly to put a bill on my desk to get cell phones out of our classrooms. Today, I'm delivering on that promise alongside my colleagues in the legislature, and the very educators, parents, and students who will see the impact of this bill firsthand - because when we support our kids and invest in their futures, good things happen."

Speakers in Order:
Dr. Joanna Wexler - Superintendent, Central Bucks School District
Governor Josh Shapiro
Kirstin McGowan - Parent & Co-leader, PA Unplugged
Christie Besack - Teacher, Central Bucks High School West
Sanjana Chamarty - Senior at Central Bucks High School South
Senator Steve Santarsiero - PA's 10th Senate District
Representative Tim Brennan - PA's 29th House District
Representative Mandy Steele - PA's 33rd House District

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