Chicago – February 19, 2025
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is proposing a cellphone ban in classrooms to improve student performance, social interaction, and mental health. This idea is becoming popular nationwide, with support from both political parties.
Pritzker’s education aide, Martin Torres, said the governor would likely support “screen-free schools” during Wednesday’s State of the State and Budget address.
A new bill has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly that would require school districts to create policies banning personal wireless devices during class. There would be exceptions, and schools must provide secure storage for phones and tablets. The policy would also need to be reviewed every three years.
Eight states already have laws that ban or limit cellphone use in schools. Other states, including Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Iowa, Kentucky, and Michigan, are considering similar rules. According to the Pew Research Center, 70% of high school teachers in the U.S. say cell phones are a big distraction in classrooms.
Torres said that at least 10 Illinois school districts have already adopted screen-free policies and have seen positive results.
The new law would require school districts to have their policies in place by the 2026-2027 school year, allowing schools the flexibility to make decisions that work best for them.
