Governor Shapiro Signs Statewide School Cell Phone Ban Into Law
FILE PHOTO ALEX LLOYD GROSS /DELAWARE VALLEY NEWS.COM Photo is of the Governor at an event in Morrisville September 2024 and not the bill signing at Central Bucks
by Alex Lloyd Gross
Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro paid a visit to Central Bucks County to sign into law Senate Bill 1014 into law. This bill would ban students having cell phones in schools in Pennsylvania. From the opening bell to the closing bell.
Shapiro heard from parents and teachers across the commonwealth who are concerned about kids dramatic increase in screen time. It goes into effect next year in September. Some places, like in Central Bucks already have a ban in pl;ace.
Schools will now come up with a plan to enforce this. Special pouches or lockers are an option. Kids can store them and pick them up after school. Students will be waiting a few extra minutes to give their phone up or retrieve it at the end of the day. A school can also simply not allow it. That approach is not practical as after kids are done, a parent or caretaker may not be able to reach them.
There will be exception, such as a student that needs it for a medical device or special education or to help with English Language learning devices. It is almost a certainty that some students will attempt to sneak one in or use other means, such a a watch or other technology to access the internet or social media that may be available in the future.
Governor Shapiro signed this legislation at Lenape Middle School in the Central Bucks School District, where students are currently required to keep phones off and away throughout the school day.
“As educators, teachers, and caregivers, we understand the challenges of raising and educating young people in a digital world. For years, schools have been striving to address the distraction that comes with student cell phones,” said Dr. Joanna Wexler, Superintendent, Central Bucks School District. “Now, we will continue to work with students, staff, and parents to engage in conversations and dialogue around this issue, knowing our students and staff will rise to the occasion and meet these new expectations, continue to excel, achieve, and make us proud in countless ways.”
“Here at Central Bucks, we’ve already seen first-hand what happens when students put their phones away — they’re more present, they talk to each other more, they’re more engaged, and teachers can focus on teaching instead of competing for our students’ attention,” said Christie Besack, Social Studies Teacher, Central Bucks High School West. “When we get distractions out of the classroom, we’re improving students’ educational outcomes and ensuring they are in the best position to succeed. I want to thank Governor Shapiro and the general assembly for working together to invest in our children and implement policies that put the focus back on learning and collaboration.”