Steele to host Feb. 24 town hall on cell phones in schools

H.B. 1814 would restrict cell phone use in Pa. schools

Rep. Mandy Steele February 18, 2026 | 11:03 AM

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 18 — State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, will host a town hall on cell phone use in schools from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, 403 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh.

Steele has introduced H.B. 1814, bipartisan legislation that would prohibit students in public schools from using or possessing a cell phone 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 authorities.

“Governor Shapiro has asked us to send him a bill banning cell phones in schools, and while my bill is pending in the House, I want to hear from my constituents about this important educational issue,” Steele said. “The research clearly shows that unfettered access to phones creates an unhealthy learning environment, and I’ve heard from many educators who say we must address this issue. I believe we need a clear and consistent statewide standard to create a better learning environment for every Pennsylvania student.”

ATTENTION NEWS/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS: Media coverage of this event is invited.

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