PSEA Commends PA House On Vote To Restrict Student Use Of Personal Mobile Devices In Public Schools

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) commended the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today for passing House Bill 1814, bipartisan legislation establishing a consistent, statewide expectation that all Pennsylvania schools must restrict possession and prohibit student use of mobile devices during the school day.

 PSEA President Aaron Chapin issued the following statement:

“Pennsylvania’s educators have long known that easy student access to personal smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets is a problem in our schools. These mobile devices disrupt classroom lessons, distract students from learning, and facilitate cyberbullying.

“We also understand that while a statewide standard is needed on student mobile devices during the school day, it is important to leave it up to each individual school entity to decide exactly how to limit possession.

“We commend the state House for passing a bill requiring ‘bell-to-bell’ restrictions on mobile devices while leaving it up to local school communities to decide how best to implement it. Educators, administrators, parents, and students are in the best position to develop policies that best meet the needs of their school communities.

“Twenty-eight states currently have laws restricting student use of cellphones and mobile devices during the school day, including 19 with ‘bell-to-bell’ restrictions. Several school districts here in Pennsylvania have already adopted similar policies. It is time to ensure that every student in Pennsylvania can go to school without distracting smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets derailing classroom learning.”