JB Pritzker, the Illinois governor, wants to improve student achievement and mental health. He has proposed that cell phones in schools be banned across the state. This idea is gaining in popularity regardless of political affiliation.
Martin Torres stated that Pritzker is likely to endorse “screen-free schools” in his State of the State/Budget address at noon on Tuesday.
The two houses of the General Assembly have introduced legislation that would require school districts to set up policies prohibiting wireless devices in class. However, there are some notable exceptions. The legislation would also require that they create secure storage for their phones and tablets, and review these guidelines three times a year.
Eight state laws prohibit or restrict the use of cell phones in schools. Indiana. Kentucky, Michigan, Iowa, and Indiana are among the 15 states with proposed bans or restrictions.
Pew Research Center reported that seven out of ten U.S. teachers of high school consider cell phone use in the classroom to be a serious problem.
Torres is Pritzker’s deputy governor for Education. She told The Associated Press that at least ten Illinois districts had adopted a policy of screen-free classrooms, and the results were positive.
Social media exposure can lead to anxiety, depression, and dissatisfaction.
The policy must be implemented by the end of 2026-2027 for the academic year. However, districts can create policies that suit their specific needs.
Pritzker wants wireless devices banned during school hours unless it is an emergency or to deal with a threat. Devices would only be allowed if they were approved by a teacher or doctor or if they were part of a special education plan for students.
Peoria School adopted a new program this year, which involves giving every student a neoprene backpack with a magnetic locking system. Sharon Desmoulin Kherat is the superintendent of Peoria Schools. She said that only teachers and administrators can open it.
She reported in an email that a teacher said: “I am looking into the eyes and students who haven’t looked away from their computer screens before.”
During the 1990s when cell phones were considered expensive and new, they were banned by legislation.
Desmoulin Kherat, a Peoria-based resident, stated that students could still use their phones in an emergency, even though they are locked and off. Parents expressed this concern about their ability to reach their children.
“Just like the old days, you can call the office,” Desmoulin-Kherat said. “You can send an email. You don’t need a cellphone to be able to communicate with your family.”
