From Newsweek · · 1m 40s
Pennsylvania Bans Phones in Classrooms
Pennsylvania signs bill to ban phones in schools for entire school day.
In brief
Pennsylvania signs bill to ban phones in schools for entire school day. Pennsylvania requires schools to implement bell-to-bell phone bans by 2027-28 school year. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Pennsylvania signs phone ban bill
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 1014 into law on Monday.
Bell-to-bell phone restrictions
Schools must prohibit students from possessing and using personal mobile devices throughout the school day.
Implementation timeline
Policies must be adopted by the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.
Statewide restrictions
At least 40 states have enacted policies related to cell phone use in schools.
Alabama's phone ban
Alabama enacted HB166 in 2025, known as Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety.
Arkansas phone ban
Arkansas enacted SB 142, the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, in 2025.
Florida phone ban
Florida expanded restrictions through HB 1105 in 2025 for elementary and middle school students.
Georgia phone ban
Georgia enacted HB 340, the Distraction-Free Education Act, for kindergarten through grade 8.
Illinois phone ban
Illinois enacted SB 2427 in 2026 requiring policies by 2027-28 school year.
Indiana phone ban
Indiana enacted SB 78 expanding wireless-device policy requirements for schools.
Kansas phone ban
Kansas enacted HB 2299 requiring devices to be switched off and stored away during school day.
Louisiana phone ban
Louisiana enacted SB 207 in 2024 prohibiting devices during instructional day.
Maine phone ban
Maine enacted LD 2212 requiring statewide bell-to-bell phone restrictions.
Maryland phone ban
Maryland enacted HB 525 requiring phone-free policies by 2027-28 school year.
What to remember
Pennsylvania requires schools to implement bell-to-bell phone bans by 2027-28 school year.
