Governor Shapiro Wants To Ban Cell Phones In PA Public Schools
Alex Lloyd Gross -File Photo Delaware Valley News.com Governor Josh Shapiro at Morrisville High School September 2024.
by Alex Lloyd Gross
There is a push to ban students from bringing cell phones to classrooms in Pennsylvania and Governor Josh Shapiro said he is in favor of it. PA State Rep Mandy Steele (d) Allegheny has taken that a step farther. Steele has introduced H.B. 1814, bipartisan legislation that would prohibit students in public schools from using or possessing a cell phone during the school day. Students would 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 authorities.
While discussing education in his budget address, Shapiro urged legislators to send a bill banning cell phones in schools to his desk.
There are pros and cons to this. No more material for Tik-Tok and students won'[t be embarrassed when they are themselves and captured on video begin awkward. Students will be forced to pay attention in class, not sending emails or text messages.
If there is an argument, chances are someone will pull a cellphone to record the confrontation. When student B gets physical and violent, it’s preserved on video. That student cannot change the narrative. Without a video of what happened before the fight, it’s anyone’s guess.
More than 30 states currently restrict cell phone use in schools. Twenty-three states enforce a full “bell-to-bell” ban, also known as an “away for a day” policy, while eight states limit use only during instructional time, according to Education Week.
Some parents want to be able to contact their children during breaks in between classes. It is unknown as to how this ban will work or when it will take effect, once the house and senate pass it.