OAK PARK – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined students, educators, and state leaders at Oak Park and River Forest High School to advocate for a cell phone ban in Illinois classrooms, a critical measure that would support Illinois teachers and help students across the state reach their full potential. Governor Pritzker championed the initiative during his annual State of the State budget address.

“Strong schools are the foundation to our success as a state. This year, I am proposing legislation that requires school districts to adopt a cell phone policy that keeps students focused on the work in class,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We owe it to our kids to cultivate the healthiest, most productive learning environment possible — this proposal will help us do just that.”

The proposed legislation would require all school districts and charter schools in Illinois to adopt a policy limiting the use of wireless communication devices on school grounds during the day — from “bell to bell.” As 72% of high school teachers identify cell phone distraction as a “major problem” in their classrooms, Governor Pritzker is taking action to support educators in the digital age.

Research shows that cell phone overuse among teenagers can lead to anxiety, depression, issues with sleep, and other mental health issues stemming from cyberbullying and social media. Studies have also linked more stringent cell phone polices to fewer distractions — allowing students to better learn and socialize. By reducing phone use in the classroom, Illinois would be reducing serious risks and distractions among students at a critical time in their lives.

“Our teachers deserve classrooms where they can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning,” said State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders. “A clear, consistent cell phone policy will empower local school districts to create distraction-free environments that support academic growth, strengthen student engagement, and promote student well-being. By setting thoughtful boundaries around cell phone use — while preserving critical exceptions for health, accessibility, and safety — this legislation is designed to help students thrive both in the classroom and beyond.”

The legislation calls for districts to adopt policies limiting the use of phones from bell to bell, with the following exceptions:

School districts must involve parents, teachers, and staff in the development of a specific cell phone policy, and student engagement is highly encouraged. Additionally, this legislation would empower school districts to carve out their own exceptions, such as allowing cell phone access during lunch, in the event of an emergency, or when teachers have authorized cell phone use for educational purposes.

Governor Pritzker is committed to supporting a robust, world-class education system in Illinois, increasing Evidence-Based Funding for K-12 schools by $2.4 billion since taking office. It’s these critical investments that make Illinois one of the best places in the nation to receive an education, with the high school graduation rate reaching a 15-year high and Illinois students delivering reading and math results that outpace the national average and place the state among the nation’s leading performers. Illinois is also making key strides to support teachers through the innovative Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot Program, which has resulted in a record-high number of teachers employed in classrooms across the state.

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