SPRINGFIELD — To keep students engaged in the classroom and promote better academic outcomes, State Senator Cristina Castro sponsored a measure that would ban cellphones during school time.
“Academic success depends on students being present during class so they can perform their best,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Keeping students’ minds engaged with teachers ensures a productive classroom environment.”
Senate Bill 2427 would call on each school district in Illinois to adopt a policy prohibiting students from using wireless communication devices during school time – often referred to as a “bell-to-bell” ban on cellphones during the school day. Castro’s measure would require the Illinois State Board of Education to publish a template wireless communication device policy by Sept. 1, 2026. This would provide guidance for local school districts when implementing their own policies.
Recognizing that the needs of each student are unique, students who need access to a device for medical purposes, accommodation plans, language access or because they are a caregiver would be exempt. The measure would allow school districts to exclude lunch and passing periods for high school students if it fits the needs of their community. To ensure students are not met with restrictive punishments that set academic progress back, this legislation would prohibit schools from enforcing their cellphone policies via expulsions, suspensions, fines, tickets or citations.
The measure is in part modeled after examples being set by some local school districts that have already instituted a “bell-to-bell” ban, such as Elgin School District U-46 and Hinsdale School District 86. Many other states, including Florida and Minnesota, have passed laws restricting the use of cellphones in schools.
“It is time we help students rediscover their passion for learning and ability to stay present in the classroom,” said Castro. “Teachers and students should be able to collaborate effectively without distractions standing in the way.”
Senate Bill 2427 passed the Senate on Sunday and heads to the governor for final approval.
