The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation that would require public schools in the state to implement policies banning student cellphone use during the school day. Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), who supported the bill, stated that Senate Bill 1014 is intended to reduce distractions in classrooms, enhance academic outcomes, and address concerns about youth mental health and social development.
“Parents, teachers and students all know how disruptive phones can be in the classroom,” said Sen. Pennycuick. “This legislation sets a clear, consistent standard so schools can create environments where education comes first.”
Under the proposed law, each school district would be responsible for creating its own policy regarding cellphone use from the start of classes until dismissal. While the policy must adhere to a statewide rule prohibiting students from carrying or using cellphones during school hours, districts would have flexibility in determining how to enforce it. The bill also allows exceptions for medical needs, individualized education programs that require communication devices, English-language learners using translation applications, and instructional uses approved by teachers.
Concerns about smartphones’ impact on students have grown among educators and parents throughout Pennsylvania. Issues cited include increased anxiety and depression among youth, cyberbullying incidents, and lower engagement during class time.
Recent statistics indicate significant declines in youth mental health and academic performance since smartphones became widely used. Reports show that teen depression rates have risen by around 150% since the early 2010s, while suicide rates among children aged 10-14 tripled between 2007 and 2021—especially among girls. Teenagers now spend close to eight hours daily on screens and receive an average of 237 notifications each day.
Additionally, nearly half of American teens say they have experienced cyberbullying; 45% report feeling overwhelmed by social media drama; and more than one-quarter believe social media negatively affects their lives. Following widespread smartphone adoption between 2010 and 2015, teen ownership increased sharply from 23% to 73%. Research has also linked early smartphone use with later aggression, emotional instability, and suicidal thoughts.
Senator Pennycuick represents parts of Berks and Montgomery counties in the Pennsylvania Senate. She focuses on job growth initiatives, support for veterans and law enforcement, improvements in education, and fiscal responsibility. She leads the Communications and Technology Committee while participating in committees related to veterans affairs—a role informed by her military background as well as experience in business consulting according to her official website. Pennycuick served for 26 years in the U.S. Army before retiring as a lieutenant colonel after assignments including Desert Shield/Desert Storm official website. She began her career as a combat medic before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia official website. Elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2022 after serving in the General Assembly official website, she continues involvement with veteran organizations alongside her legislative work.
Pennycuick resides with her husband—also a U.S. Army veteran—in Harleysville along with their four grown children and two grandchildren official website.