SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Ill. Gov. JB Pritzker released more details about a proposed cell phone ban in classrooms across Illinois. He joined Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, teachers, school officials backing a plan they believe will improve student achievement, social interaction and the mental health.
“It’s imperative that the state set students up to achieve their full potential – not just by investing in them, but by fostering a healthy and productive classroom environment,” said Gov. Pritzker in a press release. “Study after study has demonstrated the benefits of a ban on classroom use of cell phones not just on student performance – but on overall health and wellbeing. This legislation will allow our teachers to focus on what matters most – delivering a quality education that opens up opportunity for kids across the state.”
Pritzker also brought up the potential ban during his State of the State address.
The Pew Research Center has found that seven in 10 high school teachers in the U.S. consider cellphone distraction a major classroom problem.
"We fully support this legislation to limit cell phone use in schools because it creates a more focused, engaging, and supportive learning environment,” said State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders. “The proposal minimizes disruptions, helps prevent cyberbullying, and encourages in-person social interactions among students, while preserving each district’s ability to design a local policy that works for their community’s needs."
Sanders adds this will also help improve students’ mental health by reducing students’ exposure to social media during the school day. This is a smart, balanced approach to keep the focus where it belongs – on learning."
Even if cell phones were banned, here is a list of exceptions to the prohibition:
- In the event of an emergency or in response to an imminent threat.
- When a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes—e.g. Chromebook use, technology-based activities, etc.
- When a licensed physician determines that the possession or use of a wireless communication device is necessary for the health or well-being of the student.
- To fulfill an Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan.
- When the wireless communication device is necessary for students who are English learners to access learning materials, participate in class or otherwise facilitate communication.
The legislation, which would require policies be in place by the 2026-2027 school year, has enough flexibility in the plan to allow school districts to develop a policy that best suits them.
In order to prevent excessive punitive measures, the proposal says enforcement of these policies via fines, fees, or ticketing, or via deployment of a School Resource Officer or a local law enforcement officer are prohibited.
Through the policy, school districts will also identify guidelines for secure and accessible storage of wireless devices that prevents use, loss, and theft. School boards will also review the effectiveness of their district’s communication device policy at least every three years.
Similar policies have already been adopted by eight other states, and the initiative is proven to be widely popular, with 68% of adults in favor of in-class electronics bans. In Illinois, several school districts—in Champaign, Springfield, and Peoria—have already implemented policies limiting cell phone use.