Local school superintendent speaks to lawmakers about school cell phone policy, proposed ban

WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. (WKBN)- A local superintendent spoke in front of state lawmakers in Pennsylvania over a proposed ban on cell phones in schools.

This would require K-12 schools to implement a "bell-to-bell" phone-free policy for the 2026-27 school year. This would prevent students from using cell phones on school grounds, including during homeroom, lunch, and recess.

A hearing took place on Tuesday, focusing on schools' cell phone policies and the impacts it has on student learning, classroom environments, and safety. West Middlesex and Reynolds Superintendent Raymond Omer testified about his schools' cell phone bans and how the schools worked with students and parents to help create a plan.

He says it was the students who came to school officials, wanting to make this part of their