Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Steele supports House passage of bill to ban cell phones in schools

Steele supports House passage of bill to ban cell phones in schools

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    October 19, 2026 | 5:51 PM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 19 — A proposal championed by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, to restrict cellphone use in Pennsylvania schools passed the PA House today on a bipartisan vote, a key step in the process for enacting the legislation in time for the 2027-28 school year.

Senate Bill 1014 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 administrators.

In floor remarks before today’s vote, Steele told her House colleagues that “the votes that we take today will impact an entire generation.”

“Our children are being held captive by Big Tech and by that smartphone in their pockets,” Steele said.

Steele added that research about the dangers of unfettered access to smartphones is clear and that such access is among the factors driving down test scores and driving up rates of depression, eating disorders, and suicide.

“Let children have their hearts and minds back for at least six hours a day while they are preparing for their future,” Steele said.

Senate Bill 1014, which was amended in the House to include Steele’s proposal, now moves to the state Senate for possible concurrence.

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.

Gov. Josh Shapiro has urged the General Assembly to send him a bill banning cellphone use in Pennsylvania schools.

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