Steele celebrates signing of bill to ban cell phones in schools
Says new law addresses ‘massive public health crisis’
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus October 26, 2026 | 1:13 PM
DOYLESTOWN, Oct. 26 — State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, a leading proponent of restricting cell phone use in schools, today celebrated the signing of a bipartisan bill prohibiting cell phone use in Pennsylvania schools so students can learn and grow without harmful digital distractions.
Standing alongside Gov. Josh Shapiro, who signed Act 117 of 2026 at Lenape Middle School in Bucks County, Steele said the new law addresses a “massive public health crisis.”
“The research is abundant and clear,” Steele said. “Our children are not faring well. Did you know that the white matter in their brains isn’t forming correctly anymore? Depression is up; so are hospital stays for children, eating disorders, and suicides.”
Steele said restricting cell phones in schools is “the absolute bare minimum that we can do.” The law is meant to “give children their school day back, to learn, socialize, and prepare for what should be bright futures.”
The new law requires schools to implement a “bell-to-bell” ban on cell phone use before the 2027–28 school year. Students will 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.
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“Our Pennsylvania schools, as of today, will be a place where children are not captive, but are free again to be kids.” – State Rep. Mandy Steele
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Introduced in the General Assembly as S.B. 1014, the bill signed by Shapiro was amended in the House to include Steele’s proposal to restrict cell phones in schools. In the House, Steele was the prime sponsor of H.B. 1814, which included the same provisions as S.B. 1014.
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.
While some school districts already restrict cell phone use in schools, Steele noted that many do not, and she said the legislation would create a much-needed statewide standard.
“We are hitting back hard against the assault on our children,” Steele said. “Our Pennsylvania schools, as of today, will be places where children are not captive, but are free again to be kids.”
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