Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bill Monday banning cell phones in schools from the first bell to final dismissal starting next school year, 6abc Philadelphia reported. Shapiro signed the bill into law at Lenape Middle School in Doylestown, Bucks County.
The Central Bucks School District has had a cell phone ban for the past two years. Lenape Middle School band director Sean Cohen told 6abc Philadelphia the policy has been “really, really great for our kids.” Under the district’s approach, phones remain off and away in lockers, with disciplinary action and parent contact if devices are found in use during class time.
Student Sanjana Chamarty said being able to disconnect from the digital world has done a lot for her. School districts will have flexibility on how to store phones, whether in lockers, pouches or designated storage areas, and must create emergency notification procedures and security contact plans.
Exemptions will allow limited phone use for students with medical needs, those in certain educational programs, and English language learners who might need it for translations. Parent Kirstin McGowan said benefits extend to education, mental health and relationship building. Villanova University professor Elizabeth Dowdell said school districts will have to help some students who might have more trouble separating from their phones.
For more information, visit 6abc.com.