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HARRISBURG, PA (February 3, 2026) — The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) praised the Pennsylvania Senate today for passing Senate Bill 1014. This bipartisan legislation requires public schools to adopt “bell-to-bell” policies prohibiting students (with limited exceptions) from using their smartphones and other internet-connected mobile devices during the school day. The bill now heads to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for consideration.

PSEA Vice President Jeff Ney issued the following statement:

“PSEA commends the state Senate for passing this bill establishing a consistent, statewide expectation that public schools must restrict possession and prohibit use of mobile devices for all students during the school day.

“In particular, we thank Sens. Robinson, Santarsiero, and Hughes for leading a bipartisan coalition to take this important step, which will support Pennsylvania’s 1.7 million public school students, their overall well-being, and their academic achievement.

“Pennsylvania’s educators have long known that easy student access to personal smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets is a problem in our public schools. These mobile devices disrupt classroom lessons, distract students from learning, and facilitate cyberbullying.

“We also understand that while a statewide expectation is needed on student mobile devices during the school day, it is important to leave it up to each individual school district to decide exactly how to limit possession.  Senate Bill 1014 does this. It calls for the entire school community, including students, parents, and educators, to come together and work collaboratively to transition to new restrictions.

“Twenty-eight states currently have laws restricting student use of cellphones and mobile devices during the school day, including 19 with ‘bell-to-bell’ restrictions. Several school districts here in Pennsylvania have already adopted similar policies.

“I know that many of us worry about what greater restrictions on student mobile devices might mean in an emergency. Security experts also tell us that mobile devices often get in the way of students listening to and following directions during emergency situations at school. We don’t want our students having their phones out, texting or taking pictures, while we are trying to get them to safety.

“Placing greater restrictions on mobile devices at school will be an adjustment for students, educators, and parents. We appreciate the leadership of Sens. Robinson, Hughes, and Santarsiero to take up this difficult task and do the right thing for our kids.”

Ney is a Wilkes-Barre Area elementary teacher and vice president of PSEA. An affiliate of the National Education Association, PSEA represents about 177,000 active and retired educators and school employees, aspiring educators, higher education staff, and health care workers in Pennsylvania.