Illinois students will face new restrictions on cell phone use during the school day after Governor JB Pritzker signed the state’s bell-to-bell cell phone ban into law Tuesday.
The legislation requires Illinois school districts to adopt policies limiting student cell phone use during the instructional day. Local school boards have until the start of the 2027-28 school year to implement policies that meet the law’s minimum requirements.
While the law establishes the statewide framework, individual school districts will determine how the ban will be enforced. The legislation does not provide additional state funding to help districts implement the new policies.
The law includes several exceptions. High school students participating in dual-credit classes or other off-campus educational programs may be allowed to use their phones as needed. School districts also have the option of permitting high school students to use cell phones during passing periods and lunch.
Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or other documented needs may also qualify for exceptions under the law.
Supporters of the legislation say reducing classroom distractions will help improve student focus, engagement, and academic performance, while local school officials will be responsible for developing policies that best fit their districts.