HARRISBURG – The Senate Education Committee, chaired by Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27), held a public hearing today to examine how Pennsylvania schools are managing student cell phone use and to explore whether statewide policy guidance is needed to address classroom disruption, learning, and student safety.
Testimony was presented by educators, students, parents, and national policy experts, offering diverse perspectives on how best to balance technology use and academic focus in modern classrooms.
Committee members heard from Dr. Michael Vuckovich of Windber School District, Raymond Omer of West Middlesex and Reynolds School Districts, Laura Morton with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Aaron Chapin with the Pennsylvania State Education Association, Dr. Ashley Loboda, a pediatrician and parent from Allegheny County, students Atticus Mitchell of Danville Area School District and Camryn Hoover of Milton Area School District, and Lauren Gendill with the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The discussion highlighted two central viewpoints. Some participants urged greater state-level guidance to create consistency and reduce classroom distractions, while others emphasized that individual schools are best positioned to develop policies that reflect their community’s needs. Both perspectives shared the goal of improving learning outcomes and student well-being, with differing opinions on the degree of state involvement needed to achieve that balance.
Student testimony played a significant role in the hearing, as both Mitchell and Hoover offered firsthand insight into how cell phones affect focus, safety, and communication in schools. Lawmakers engaged in extended follow-up questions about how to balance responsible technology use with practical enforcement and parental expectations.
Committee members also reviewed data and policy comparisons from the National Conference of State Legislatures, noting that more than 30 states have enacted or are considering legislation related to student cell phone use in schools.
Video and written testimony from the hearing are available at education.pasenategop.com.
CONTACT:
Sam Clepper