A cell phone ban is coming to Pennsylvania schools in the near future. A bill to implement the ban passed in the State Senate 47-to-3 on Wednesday after being approved by the State House earlier this week.
The bill would require schools across the Commonwealth to prohibit phones during the school day, including lunch and other non-educational periods. There are some exceptions, including those for students with medical conditions and disabilities, English language learners who use the phone as a translator and for certain approved educational activities.
The ban has the backing of Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania State Education Association. Senator Joe Pittman voted in favor of the measure. If the bill passes, Pennsylvania would become the 30th state to pass a cell phone ban in the classroom.
