The restriction covers the full school day, including classes, lunch, recess and time in hallways. Shapiro said the goal is to reduce distractions in classrooms. Central Bucks School District, which includes Lenape, has had its own cellphone ban for two years.

Districts will decide how students store their devices, with options including lockers, pouches or designated storage areas. They will also have to create procedures for emergency notifications and security-related contact between schools and families.

Shapiro said the plans should make sure parents know how to reach their children in an emergency. Lenape band director Sean Cohen said students are expected to keep phones switched off and stored away; students who use them during class may face disciplinary action and parent contact.

The law allows limited cellphone use for students with medical needs, participants in certain educational programs and English learners who may need translation tools.

Some local students and parents described benefits from disconnecting during the school day. Student Sanjana Chamarty said the break from digital life had helped her, while PA Unplugged co-lead Kirstin McGowan pointed to students’ mental health and relationships with peers. Villanova University nursing professor Elizabeth Dowdell cautioned that adapting may be harder for some students, and said families can help by establishing boundaries around when devices are used.

At least 25 states have adopted school cellphone restrictions, according to the report. New Jersey and Delaware began implementing restrictions this year, with Pennsylvania’s statewide policy due to take effect next school year.