Steele applauds Senate approval of bill to ban cell phones in schools
‘We’re hitting back at Big Tech’ as bill heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk
Rep. Mandy Steele October 21, 2026 | 4:39 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 — A proposal backed by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, to restrict cellphone use in Pennsylvania schools passed the state Senate today on a bipartisan vote and is headed to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.
Senate Bill 1014 would prohibit students in Pennsylvania 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 administrators.
“I championed this measure in the House for one basic reason—our children need it,” Steele said. “We’re hitting back at Big Tech as they hold an entire generation captive to their phones. Throughout this process, I’ve heard from many educators and parents who see the harm to our children because of unfettered access to phones. And research backs it up. Today is a historic day in the General Assembly, and I greatly appreciate that both chambers were able to come together to do this.”
Senate Bill 1014 was amended in the House to include Steele’s proposal to restrict cell phones in schools. In the House, Steele was the prime sponsor of H.B. 1814, which included the same provisions as S.B. 1014.
While some school districts already restrict cellphone use in schools, Steele noted that many do not, and she said the legislation would create a much-needed statewide standard.
Approximately 40 other states currently restrict cell phone use in schools, according to Education Week. Thirty states enforce a full “bell-to-bell” ban, also known as an “away for a day” policy.
Shapiro has urged the General Assembly to send him a bill banning cellphone use in Pennsylvania schools. In his budget address in February, the governor said, “Supporting our kids means investing more dollars in our schools and also ensuring they have a healthy, productive learning environment. One way to do that is to get the distraction of cell phones out of their classrooms.”
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