After the Latin School of Chicago implemented a strict cellphone ban, school officials say students are more engaged, interact more with peers, and feel a stronger sense of community. Inspired by such success, Illinois lawmakers are advancing legislation to require cellphone restrictions in all public and charter schools statewide.
Illinois is one of only eight states without any statewide rules on student cellphone use. An amended Senate Bill 2427, which unanimously passed the House Education Committee, would require elementary and middle schools to enforce a bell-to-bell ban, while high schools could allow limited use during lunch and breaks. Exceptions are outlined for medical needs, special education, and English learners, and enforcement through fines or police is prohibited.
Governor JB Pritzker, a vocal advocate, says classroom distractions from phones are harming students’ ability to learn and thrive. “It’s time to get cellphones out of the classroom,” he said in his State of the State speech.
The bill, already passed by the Senate, must return there for approval of House amendments before heading to Pritzker’s desk. If signed, schools must comply by the 2027-28 school year, with a later deadline for districts already restricting phones.
Proponents point to research showing cellphones hinder academic success and fuel mental health issues and cyberbullying. The Pew Research Center reports 72% of high school teachers see phones as a major classroom problem. National data links social media use to anxiety and depression, while most public schools report cyberbullying incidents.
Implementing effective bans comes with costs. Peoria’s District 150 spent $250,000 on locking phone pouches, and other states have offered grants to help schools comply. Illinois’ bill currently does not provide funding, raising concerns from teachers’ unions about the financial burden.
Despite these concerns, supporters argue that removing phones from classrooms is key to improving student focus, well-being, and academic outcomes statewide.