RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday intended to keep students’ eyes off their phones and on their school work, adding Illinois to the list of states that ban distracting devices in the classroom.
All local school districts will be required to institute bell-to-bell cellphone bans, though high schools will have the option of limiting access to lunch and passing periods, in order to restrict “the disruption that smartphones create throughout the school day,” Pritzker said at an Elgin press conference.
“We're making our classrooms more focused, more productive, more conducive to learning,” Pritzker said, pointing to districts across the state that have implemented their own bans and already “seen improvements in academic performance, in student engagement and overall well-being.
“Bullying declines, grade-point averages improve, AP scores increase,” Pritzker said before signing one of his top legislative priorities of the year. “Students spend more time connecting with one another instead of scrolling past one another.”
Gov. JB Pritzker signs legislation Tuesday requiring school districts to ban cellphones during class time.
The legislation sailed through the Illinois General Assembly during the spring session, a year after stalling out in Springfield — while at least 35 other states have restricted cellphone access in schools.
Illinois’ law makes exceptions for students with devices deemed necessary by medical professionals; students on 504 or individualized education plans (IEPs); English language learners who need them for translation; and students who are caregivers for a family member.
Teachers can also allow devices to be used in lessons, and in the case of emergencies. Districts are required to account for providing access in their “emergency and crisis response plans, protocols, or procedures,” the law states.
The Illinois State Board of Education will release a template cellphone policy later this summer to spur community discussions in local school districts.
Schools will be required to implement their own cellphone bans by the start of the 2027-28 academic year, extending beyond cellphones to tablets, personal laptops, gaming devices, smart watches, smart glasses and other electronics.
School districts that previously instituted bans will have to be fully aligned with state standards by the 2031-32 school year.
Related
Chicago students share mixed feelings on Pritzker proposal to restrict classroom use of cellphones
Nearly three-quarters of high school teachers who responded to a 2024 Pew Research poll called phone distraction a major problem.
Preliminary academic research on cellphone bans has been mixed. A study earlier this year by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that a reduction in phone usage made a minimal impact on test scores and attendance.
But Elgin School District U-46 Supt. Suzanne Johnson said the impact was when her district cracked down on cellphones last year.
“While at first our students were probably hesitant and maybe not so pleased, they quickly adjusted to the new learning environment,” Johnson said at Pritzker’s press conference. “Without the distraction of cell phones, students were more engaged, built stronger connections with one another, and once again, laughter and chatter filled our hallways, our cafeteria, and our classrooms. Teachers told us that they finally felt they had their students back.”
The governor agreed the anecdotal evidence is prevalent.
“Parents have been concerned and have seen cyberbullying and, of course, the mental health impact that social media and phone usage are having on our kids,” Pritzker said. “Students share that concern.”
“We want to make sure that every hour of school time can have the greatest possible positive impact. We're allowing every child to fully learn, participate, ask questions and build the skills and interpersonal relationships that they need to thrive.”
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