Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to ban cell phones from Pa. schools

Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to ban cell phones from Pa. schools

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In a divided Harrisburg, the proposal has bipartisan support; Beddard called banning cell phones in schools “maybe one of the few bipartisan issues left.”

In the Philadelphia area, groups of parents have mobilized against cell phone use, circulating pledges such as a commitment to not give children phones before eighth grade. Delco Unplugged, an offshoot of PA Unplugged, has advocated for cell phone bans in school districts and encourages parents to not give children access to phones before high school.

There has been opposition to strict bans, including from school leaders who think kids need to learn how to live with technology, rather than avoid it. Some administrators have also questioned the logistics, while some parents say they want their children to have phones in the case of emergencies, like a school shooting.

Advocates like Beddard say kids are safer during emergencies if they pay attention to the adults in their school, rather than their phones. They also argue that the logistics aren’t so daunting, and that there are many ways to enact a ban besides lockable pouches.

Some schools require kids to put their phones in a locker, or simply keep them in their backpacks, Beddard said, noting that the legislation advancing in Harrisburg would allow districts to decide how to enact a ban.

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