Pa. becomes 27th state to fully ban phones in school – WHYY

Pa. becomes 27th state to fully ban phones in school  WHYY

Pennsylvania joins 26 other states in adopting a statewide, all-day restriction. From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Let us know! Gov. Josh Shapiro has officially banned all personal mobile devices in Pennsylvania schools, joining 26 other states in adopting a bell-to-bell restriction statewide. Shapiro signed Senate Bill 1014 into law Monday morning at Lenape Middle School in Bucks County, where such a policy has already been in place for several years. The law comes amid growing concern over young people’s mental health, as rates of anxiety, depression and even suicide are on the rise, even among elementary-age children.

When phones, kids and schools combine, challenges often follow. A Pew Research study found that 72% of high school teachers and 33% of middle school teachers said cell phones in class were a “major problem” and that enforcing building policies was a challenge. At the bill signing, Shapiro’s podium had a sign that read, “Getting Distractions Out of the Classroom.” He said the ban will impact all public, private, charter and cybercharter schools statewide, and each district must adopt a specific means of enforcing the ban before the 2027-28 school year begins next fall. He framed the law as a “common sense” way to improve student well-being and academic