Pritzker Promotes Classroom Cell Phone Limits During Visit to Oak Park High School (Oak Park, IL) – Gov. JB Pritzker joined educators and students at Oak Park and River Forest High School on Friday to promote legislation that would require Illinois schools to adopt policies restricting student cell phone use during the school day, an initiative he says will help reduce distractions and improve learning.
The proposal, highlighted in Pritzker’s recent State of the State and budget address, would mandate that school districts and charter schools implement guidelines limiting the use of wireless communication devices from “bell to bell,” while allowing certain exceptions for health, accessibility and educational needs.
“Strong schools are the foundation to our success as a state,” Pritzker said during the event. “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. We owe it to our kids to cultivate the healthiest, most productive learning environment possible.”
Supporters of the measure point to educator concerns about classroom distractions. State officials cited survey data indicating that 72% of high school teachers consider cell phone use a major problem during instruction.
Research also suggests excessive phone use among teenagers may contribute to anxiety, depression, sleep disruption and cyberbullying, while stricter phone policies have been linked to improved student focus and classroom engagement.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said a statewide framework would give schools the clarity and authority needed to address the issue while preserving flexibility for local circumstances.
“Our teachers deserve classrooms where they can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning,” Sanders said. “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.”
Under the proposal, districts would be required to develop policies with input from parents, teachers and school staff, with student involvement encouraged. The legislation also allows districts to tailor rules to local needs, including potential exceptions such as phone access during lunch periods, emergencies or teacher-approved instructional use.
Required exceptions in the legislation include circumstances where devices are needed for medical reasons, to meet Individualized Education Program or 504 plan requirements, to assist English learners in accessing classroom materials, or when students serve as caregivers for family members.
Democratic legislative leaders voiced support for the measure. Senate President Don Harmon, whose district includes Oak Park, called the proposal a practical step to help teachers maintain student focus while allowing local flexibility.
State Sen. Cristina Castro of Elgin said reducing constant phone use could support academic achievement and create a more effective learning environment, while state Rep. Michelle Mussman of Schaumburg emphasized the potential for improved classroom engagement and social interaction.
State Rep. Camille Lilly of Chicago added that limiting phone use during the school day could help students better connect with peers and educators while strengthening mental health and learning outcomes.
The push for new classroom phone policies comes as the Pritzker administration highlights broader education investments, including a $2.4 billion increase in Evidence-Based Funding for K-12 schools since the governor took office. State officials also point to a 15-year high in graduation rates and test scores in reading and math that exceed national averages.
If approved by lawmakers, the proposed legislation would establish a statewide framework while leaving school districts responsible for crafting and enforcing specific policies aimed at creating more focused classroom environments.
Pritzker Promotes Classroom Cell Phone Limits During Visit to Oak Park High School
