Pennsylvania districts adjust policies for new state cellphone ban

School districts across Pennsylvania are reviewing their current rules to prepare for a statewide ban on student cellphone use that takes effect next year. Governor Josh Shapiro signed the legislation on Monday, establishing a ban on mobile devices on school grounds throughout the school day beginning with the 2027-28 academic year. The new law includes specific exceptions for approved emergency and medical needs. The state has left the details of enforcement to individual school districts, creating a varied compliance process depending on local policies.

Many districts already have regulations in place that range from complete daylong bans to requiring devices to be turned off during class. Current local policies often permit cellphone use between classes and during lunch periods, exceptions that will end when the state law goes into effect. Superintendents and administrators are now determining how to enforce the new restrictions and update their handbooks.

At Jeannette City School District, Superintendent Matt Jones said the district's current policy is working well. Enacted over the summer, the rule requires cellphones to be out of sight during class at all grade levels. Jones stated that the transition has not been difficult for the school. "The key is we’re protecting instructional time," Jones said. He expects the district will revise its policy to adhere to the new legislation, though he has not yet examined the specific parameters. "I think any district that has a policy in place is going to be ahead of the curve," Jones added.

Kelsey Kotun, assistant principal at Jeannette Junior-Senior High School, noted that the district’s current policy was developed to limit distractions, much like the new state mandate. "We want to see students engaged in their learning, not what is happening on their phones," Kotun said. She observed that students have adjusted to the expectation better than anticipated. "From my perspective, students seem happier and more engaged in conversations with each other, both in and outside of the classroom," Kotun said.

Deer Lakes School District has maintained a comprehensive electronic device policy since 2022 that already mirrors the state law. According to an infographic posted by school board member Kristi Minnick, the district prohibits the use of electronic devices, including cellphones, during the school day in district buildings, on district property, and on school buses. The district also bans device use in locker rooms, bathrooms, and other changing areas at all times. District spokesperson Shawn Annarelli said in an email that leaders are examining the existing policy to determine if revisions are necessary. This includes reviewing restrictions throughout the school day and setting appropriate exceptions for students with documented needs.

Kristen Beddard, co-lead of the parent coalition Pa Unplugged, called the legislative effort a win. She noted that the general assembly worked together in a bipartisan fashion on the issue. Beddard said many students who have experienced a school cellphone ban describe the six to seven hours without screens as a gift. She stated that many schools have found bell-to-bell phone-free policies to be transformational for the school culture.

Franklin Regional School District adopted its existing policy in November 2025, which allows school officials to prohibit phone use at their discretion. Currently, students can use phones for educational purposes, at lunch, between classes, and on the bus if permitted by the driver. Communications director Deana Callipare said the district will work internally to determine necessary updates for the 2027-28 school year. District officials are likely to take up the matter in November.

Leechburg Area School District is seeking state funding to buy NuKase lock boxes to store students’ electronic devices during the day. Superintendent Dave Keibler said the district applied for a grant through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The district is updating its policies to ensure a smooth transition, with guidelines allowing exceptions for emergencies or medical issues. Keibler said students with documented medical needs, such as specialized health monitoring, will receive appropriate accommodations, and protocols will be in place to ensure access and communication during emergencies.