Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has proposed legislation to ban cellphones during classroom instruction, citing them as a major impediment to learning. The proposed ban would not apply to private schools and students would still be allowed to use their devices between classes. Many large school districts in the state already have limits on cellphone use in place.
Champaign Unit 4 School District Superintendent Sheila Boozer supports the ban, stating that turning off phones allows students to fully engage in learning. The district has already implemented cellphone limits and received positive feedback from parents and teachers. Schools would need to come up with guidelines for storing phones during instruction time.
While Pritzker’s proposal includes exemptions for emergencies and educational purposes, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about restricting students’ access to phones. Rep. Patrick Sheehan emphasized the importance of students being able to make emergency calls, particularly in school shootings.
Several states have implemented limits on cellphones in schools, with Illinois being one of 13 states considering legislation on the issue. A 2023 Pew Research poll found that the majority of high school teachers believe cellphone distractions are a major problem, but enforcing policies can be challenging. Despite some opposition, bans on cellphones during class time are generally popular among U.S. adults, according to a 2024 Pew poll.
Capitol News Illinois, a nonprofit news service, reported on Pritzker’s proposal and is funded by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
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