State Rep. Jill N. Cooper has addressed the ongoing debate about cell phone use in Pennsylvania schools, following recent media coverage and policy changes within school districts.
Cooper thanked the Penn Franklin for its reporting on a proposal to ban cell phone usage in schools statewide. She noted that conversations with educators and parents show this is an urgent issue, sparking significant discussion in the General Assembly.
She highlighted a recent move by Pittsburgh Public Schools, which shifted from allowing individual schools to set their own policies to implementing a district-wide prohibition of personal electronic devices during the school day, including on school buses.
Across the United States, similar restrictions are being adopted. As of December 2025, 35 states and Washington, D.C., have enacted laws or policies limiting student cell phone use in K-12 schools. Florida was first to act in 2023, followed by Virginia, New York, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arizona. These measures are cited as beneficial for student focus, mental health, and social interaction.
According to Cooper’s statement, early outcomes include fewer classroom disruptions and improved engagement. For example, Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Area School District saw discipline referrals decrease by up to 25% and course failures drop by 37% after adopting lockable pouches for phones. A poll found that 72% of high school teachers consider phone distractions a major problem.
Opponents raise concerns about communication during emergencies; however, most policies allow exceptions or alternative contact methods between parents and students. Other critics question whether statewide bans infringe on local control or remove opportunities to teach responsible technology use.
Currently there is no statewide mandate in Pennsylvania regarding cell phones in schools; about 425 out of 500 districts have some form of policy addressing distractions or cyberbullying.
Senate Bill 1014 recently passed unanimously through the Senate Education Committee. The bill would require all schools to prohibit phone use throughout the entire school day—a plan referred to as “bell to bell.” Exceptions are included for medical needs, individualized education plans (IEPs), English learners using translation apps, and limited teacher-approved instructional uses. The bill is supported by the Pennsylvania State Education Association but opposed by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association over concerns about local decision-making authority.
“The bill now awaits a full Senate vote,” Cooper stated. “It would then be eligible for consideration in the House before reaching Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.”
Cooper invited constituents’ input on how such policies should be shaped: “I want to hear more from you on the topic and what policy would be best. Should the cell phone prohibition apply only to periods of instruction or the entire day? Perhaps you believe that determination is better made by local school districts or even within schools by educators. Or could the answer be to allow devices to be accessible but remain on silent mode so they do not cause disruption?”
Constituents can share their opinions through an online survey at RepJillCooper.com.
In other announcements:
High school seniors planning to attend college in Pennsylvania can apply for one of twenty-five $10,000 scholarships offered through America250PA’s Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program as part of efforts marking America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026; more information is available at america250pa.org.
The annual Pennsylvania Farm Show will take place from January 10-17 in Harrisburg under this year’s theme “Growing a Nation.” The event will feature traditional attractions such as competitive agricultural events and culinary demonstrations alongside educational activities highlighting agriculture’s role in state history as part of America’s semiquincentennial celebrations.
Admission remains free with parking available at $15 per vehicle; shuttle service will be provided.
For updates about the Farm Show visit facebook.com/PAFarmShow or check pa.gov.
