Illinois Gov. Pritzker moves to ban cell phones in schools, joining other states

• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker introduced a ban on cell phones in classrooms, aiming to reduce distractions and improve focus. The policy would require school districts to store students’ devices during class time.
• Pritzker’s proposal aligns Illinois with eight other states, including California and Florida, that already have similar bans in place.
• The ban would take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, giving districts time to develop their own policies.

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is moving forward with a proposal to ban cell phones in classrooms, joining a growing trend across the nation. The governor introduced an enforcement during the week of Feb. 17 aimed at limiting cellphone use in schools, focusing on student engagement and minimizing distractions in the classroom.

Governor calls for focused learning

During his State of the State address on Wednesday, Feb. 19, Pritzker discussed the importance of keeping students focused on their lessons, rather than on their devices.

“In conversations with educators and parents around this state, there is one thing they commonly cite as an impediment to learning in the classroom: cell phones,” Pritzker said.

The governor emphasized the need for schools to develop policies that would help keep students’ attention on their teachers.

Illinois joins nationwide cellphone ban in schools

Illinois is now part of a growing movement to keep cell phones out of schools. Pritzker’s proposal places the state alongside eight others, including California, Minnesota, Louisiana, Ohio and Florida, which already have similar bans in place. Another 15 states are considering similar legislation but have yet to move past the proposal stage.

At his address, Pritzker received a standing ovation from lawmakers and state officials in support of his initiative.

Exceptions to cellphone ban

Under the proposed legislation, school districts in Illinois would be required to keep students’ personal devices, including tablets and phones, stored away while in class.

However, there are exceptions to the policy. Devices could be used in emergencies or threats, teachers can approve their use or a doctor recommends them as a necessary aid.

The policy would also allow devices as part of a student’s education plan or if it helps with learning English.

Out of the more than 800 school districts in Illinois, 10 have already implemented their own screen-free rules.

Pritzker’s proposal, which has been introduced to both chambers of the General Assembly, would take effect during the 2026-2027 school year, giving each district time to develop a policy that works for their teachers and students.