Scrolling during lectures. Sneaking texts under desks. Watching TikToks between questions. Phones have become a major distraction in Illinois classrooms – and Governor JB Pritzker wants that to change.
In February 2025, during his State of the State address, Pritzker introduced legislation requiring all Illinois public schools to adopt policies limiting personal wireless devices during classroom instruction. The bill, known as Senate Bill 2427, aims to prohibit the use of devices like cell phones, laptops, tablets, and smartwatches during instructional time. However, it allows exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, and educational purposes outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans. The restrictions would not apply during lunch, recess, or before/after school activities.
The legislation has garnered bipartisan support, passing the Illinois Senate in a 55–0 vote and clearing the House Education Policy Committee with just one opposing vote. If enacted, schools would need to implement these policies by the 2026-27 academic year.
A 2023 Common Sense Media survey found that 97% of students ages 11-17 use their phones during school, spending an average of 43 minutes per day on their devices. The median number of pickups was 13 – though some students reported checking their phones more than 200 times during a single school day.
“I think COVID-19 made screens during school hours feel more normalized,” Esme Villafuerte, a current WEGO freshman, said.
Many schools have already tried different approaches to limit phone use, such as phone pocket charts, designated phone bins, or having students hand over their phones at the start of class. But according to some students and teachers, none of these methods have been especially effective.
“The teachers have noticed and maybe reported it to the principals, and it’s basically troubling them, because since they’re trying to teach, the students don’t pay attention,” Isabel Rivas, a sixth grader at Leman Middle School, said.
Supporters of the bill argue that stricter rules would help teachers stay focused on instruction rather than managing phone use. USC psychologist Dr. Ravi Iyer, whose research focuses on technology and society, supports a “bell to bell” restriction, saying it allows classrooms to reset and “gives teachers the ability to no longer be the phone police.”
At Oak Park River Forest High School, where restrictions are already in place, some educators have reported a shift in the classroom environment. “Conversation buzz returned,” one teacher said. “There were students asking each other questions, raising their hand to become involved — and someone even passed an old-fashioned note.”
Still, not everyone is fully on board. While a National Education Association survey found that 90% of its members support policies limiting classroom phone use, some parents remain hesitant. A recent National Parents Union survey of 1,500 families found that 56% believe students should sometimes be allowed to use phones at school, particularly during lunch, recess, sporting events, or when approved by a teacher.
Many parents cited safety as their top concern.
“Until you make our classrooms safe – whether it’s from gun violence, bullying, or mental health concerns – you are not taking my kid’s cell phone,” NPU President Keri Rodriguez said. “They will find a way around these bans. They will send their kids to school with burner phones.”
“The ban could be beneficial to improve students’ focus during class,” Villafuerte said. “But I don’t think it’s best to fully ban them, as students may have situations where they need to contact their parents or guardians.”
As the bill moves through the Illinois House, the debate continues: should schools crack down harder on phones to improve focus – or are there smarter ways to balance learning with safety and trust?
