Pennsylvania school districts are heading into a transformative year. With new state legislation and continued funding initiatives shaping everything from device usage to mental health infrastructure, K-12 leaders across the state are facing an evolving set of responsibilities. The 2025-26 school year won’t just be about keeping up – it’ll be about planning ahead, building compliance into every layer of operations, and keeping students safe, supported, and connected in line with Pennsylvania school policy.
Whether you’re part of a large urban district or a smaller suburban system, Pennsylvania’s latest policy changes are designed to impact how schools manage technology, protect student data, and deliver equitable support services. For district leaders, the key will be balancing compliance with practicality, and finding ways to implement new policies in a manner that’s both scalable and student-first.
What’s Changing for Pennsylvania School Policy in 2025-26?
Cell Phone Bans: Act 55 of 2024 (Senate Bill 700)
This law authorizes districts to use state safety grants to purchase secure lock-up bags for student phones. While not a mandatory ban, it creates new opportunities for schools to create device-free learning environments, and to do so with consistent enforcement support and state-approved funding.
Student Data Privacy & Protection: Child Internet Protection Act (Adopted)
Schools must revise Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) by March 17, 2025, to include content filtering and harmful content blocking. This baseline policy establishes new standards for responsible technology use and may require updates to filtering tools, student education, and staff training.
Internet Safety & Cyberbullying
Although no new laws were passed in 2025, districts remain responsible for maintaining and enforcing cyberbullying policies. This includes data reporting, staff training, and supportive response systems. With digital misbehavior increasingly taking place off-campus, public pressure to address cyberbullying remains high.
Technology-Based School Safety: Public School Code of 1949 (Amended)
Recent updates mandate new school safety plan elements and infrastructure guidance under PCCD protocols. LEAs are expected to align with evolving state recommendations, audit existing systems, and invest in secure entry points, surveillance, and emergency communications. Funding includes $20M in state safety/security grants and $100M for facility improvements.
Mental Health Technology Services
Governor Shapiro’s 2024–25 education budget expanded mental health funding for schools. Districts can now invest in teletherapy, wellness programs, and counseling team growth using state formula funds. Additional grant opportunities include SS/HS federal funding and up to $3M per district in federal School-Based Mental Health Services Grants.
Parental Rights & Technology Oversight
No new mandates have been introduced, but Pennsylvania districts are encouraged to meet rising expectations for family-facing technology transparency. Activity reports, digital alerts, and clear communication protocols help foster trust and maintain alignment with broader national trends.
Download the 2025-26 School Readiness Guide
To help district and school leaders stay ahead of these shifts, we’ve created the 2025-26 School Readiness Guide: a national resource designed to help K-12 decision-makers align their practices with the latest legislation, safety mandates, and student wellness priorities.
The guide includes six key focus areas:
- Cell phone bans & digital distractions
- Student data privacy & vendor accountability
- Campus & physical safety
- Online safety & digital wellbeing
- Responsible AI readiness & usage
- Community-centered student support
Each section includes a clear checklist and action items to follow, making the guide easy to reference and implement.
You can download the guide for free here.
Further K-12 Guidance & Support is Just a Click Away
At Securly, we’re proud to support 786,680 students across 446 schools and districts in Pennsylvania. We work closely with trusted partners like Reading School District, Downingtown Area, West Chester Area, Scranton, Parkland, Hazleton Area, Central Dauphin, and more to support safer, more connected learning.
Whether you’re responding to new policy, evaluating your safety and wellness tools, or looking for expert support, our team is always here to support you along the way.
To learn more about Securly, visit our website.
For regularly updated Pennsylvania school policy information, bookmark the hub.
To discuss your school and its needs for 2025-26 with one of our experts, schedule a call.
