December 12, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA –This week, Senate Bill 1014, bipartisan legislation prime-sponsored by Senators Vincent Hughes, Steve Santarsiero, and Devlin Robinson, passed the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee with a unanimous vote. The legislation would require Pennsylvania schools to adopt a bell-to-bell policy, prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day. Each individual school district would be responsible for crafting a policy that works best for their community.
“This legislation has the power to improve education outcomes and socialization in our schools,” said Senator Hughes. “Implementing bell-to-bell in Pennsylvania will free our students from the constant distraction and stress that comes with every new phone notification they receive during the school day. It will free our teachers from constantly having to ensure digital devices and social media aren’t stealing attention away from their classrooms.”
Multiple studies have shown the detrimental impact smart phones and social media can have on student mental health and academic success. The bill aims to address these impacts and remove cell phones as a disrupter for both students and teachers.
Senator Hughes explained, “We know how addictive our phones and social media can be. It’s unrealistic to think that students can have a phone or smartwatch with them and get the most out of their school day.”
As bell-to-bell legislation has been adopted in schools across the country, teachers, students, and parents have seen multiple benefits including, increased academic performance, reductions in cyberbullying, improved mental health, and more social interaction among students, especially during lunch periods and in hallways between classes.
Senate Bill 1014 will now need to be scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor.