Story perspectives

Shapiro Signs Pennsylvania K-12 Phone Ban Law Takes Effect 2027

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 7:56 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Governor Josh Shapiro signed a law banning personal cell phones in Pennsylvania K-12 schools.
The ban takes effect in 2027-28 and covers public, private and charter schools.
Exemptions include documented medical needs, special-education plans, English-learner devices and approved instructional uses.
Districts must draft policies, submit them to the Department of Education and post online.
Sen. Devlin Robinson sponsored the bill, which passed the House 141-62 and Senate 47-3.

1 of 1

Story summary

Governor Josh Shapiro signed a law banning personal cell phones in Pennsylvania K-12 schools.
The ban takes effect in 2027-28 and covers public, private and charter schools.
Exemptions include documented medical needs, special-education plans, English-learner devices and approved instructional uses.
Districts must draft policies, submit them to the Department of Education and post online.
Sen. Devlin Robinson sponsored the bill, which passed the House 141-62 and Senate 47-3.