Governor JB Pritzker has recently signed legislation aimed at reducing distractions in Illinois classrooms by banning cellphones during school hours. This move places Illinois among the growing number of states that have enacted similar restrictions on cellphone use in educational settings. The law requires all local school districts to enforce a bell-to-bell cellphone ban, although high schools may choose to limit cellphone access during lunch and passing periods.

During a press conference in Elgin, Pritzker emphasized the importance of creating a more focused and productive learning environment. He noted that several districts that have already implemented such bans have reported improvements in academic performance, student engagement, and overall well-being. According to Pritzker, the reduction in cellphone use has led to declines in bullying, increases in grade-point averages, and higher scores on Advanced Placement exams. He stated, “Students spend more time connecting with one another instead of scrolling past one another.”

The legislation passed smoothly through the Illinois General Assembly during the spring session, following a previous attempt that stalled. Currently, at least 35 other states have already restricted cellphone access in schools. The new law includes exceptions for students who require devices for medical reasons, those on individualized education plans, English language learners needing translation assistance, and students who are caregivers. Teachers will still have the discretion to allow cellphone use during lessons or emergencies.

The Illinois State Board of Education plans to release a template cellphone policy later this summer to facilitate discussions within local school districts. Schools are expected to implement their cellphone bans by the start of the 2027-28 academic year, which will extend beyond cellphones to include tablets, personal laptops, gaming devices, smartwatches, and smart glasses. Districts that already have cellphone bans will need to align with the new state standards by the 2031-32 school year.

A recent Pew Research poll found that nearly three-quarters of high school teachers consider phone distraction a significant issue. While some academic research on cellphone bans has shown mixed results, with a study from the National Bureau of Economic Research indicating minimal impacts on test scores and attendance, anecdotal evidence from districts like Elgin School District U-46 suggests positive outcomes. Superintendent Suzanne Johnson reported that after enforcing stricter cellphone policies, students became more engaged and built stronger connections with each other.

Pritzker acknowledged the concerns of parents regarding cyberbullying and the mental health effects of social media on children. He reiterated the goal of maximizing the positive impact of every hour of school time, allowing students to fully learn, participate, and develop essential skills and interpersonal relationships.