A proposed state bill to limit cellphones in schools would protect children, streamline policies, reduce burden from staff and lessen disruptions.
That’s according to a group of legislators, including state Reps. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel, and Jill Cooper, R-Murrysville, who are spearheading House Bill 1814 to restrict cellphones in classrooms.
“Many teachers and parents tell me that this is an issue we need to address,” Steele said. “Our children are being harmed by unbridled access to their phones. We have to do something to protect them.”
A town hall is scheduled Feb. 24 for anyone interested in voicing their opinion. The program will be from 6 to 7 p.m. at Cooper-Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel.
Data-backed research shows that access to phones can hinder learning and contribute to social turmoil for students, as well as cause enforcement challenges for teachers.
Some reports show that teens realize the distractions.
In a study conducted by the Brookings think tank, 76% of teens voiced a preference for some form of restrictions on phone use during the school day. In addition, the Pew Research Center reported a higher number of adults favor phone restrictions, up from 68% in fall 2024 to 74% in summer 2025.
More than 30 states have policies to restrict cellphone use in class, according to the nonprofit Education Week.
Some go bell-to-bell, others allow cell use in the hallways or at lunch.
In Pennsylvania, the bill would ban cellphones in public schools except in emergencies.
Students would be required to secure their phones in a way that prevents access. Exceptions could be approved for medical needs.
Cooper, whose district includes New Kensington, Arnold, Lower Burrell, Upper Burrell and several other Alle-Kiski Valley communities, posted a survey to her website to learn more about constituents’ concerns.
People can weigh in on a preference to restrict phone use all day, allow them to be used during lunch and other noninstruction periods, leave it up to the teacher’s discretion or allow schools to establish their own policies.
People also can vote against any restrictions.
Cooper said she believes focus and learning are at risk when students are distracted by their phones.
“If the phone is in your pocket and it buzzes, then you’re thinking about who’s trying to reach you,” she said. “I think everyone can take the day from their phones.”
Cooper said there is an added bonus to banning phones during class: social skills.
“Students learn the old-fashioned skill of communicating face to face and not always typing to talk,” she said.
Cooper plans to meet with superintendents in her district to gather their feedback.
“I’m open to their suggestions,” she said. “I feel this will give consistency across the board.”
The bill has been referred to the House Education Committee, but Steele said it may land with the state Health Committee.
