Gov. Pritzker Signs School Cell Phone Ban into Law

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law SB 2427, instituting a statewide cell phone and personal device framework to create distraction-free classrooms, encouraging students to connect more deeply with curriculum and each other, and allowing educators to focus on teaching. The law requires school districts to develop and implement a “bell-to-bell” policy, restricting access to cell phones between the hours of the first arrival bell to the final dismissal bell. For kindergarten through 8th grade, this includes during class, as well as lunch, passing periods, and other non-instructional hours of the day.

“Illinois is taking a major step forward in creating classrooms, libraries, and learning environments free from distractions by banning the use of cellphones during the school day,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We are ensuring every hour of the school day has the greatest possible positive impact, allowing every child to fully learn, participate, ask questions, and build the skills and interpersonal relationships they need to thrive.”

To give children the most productive educational environment possible, Illinois school districts will work with teachers, parents, and students to determine the design of the cell phone policies that meet the unique needs of their community.

“Our classrooms should be places where curiosity, creativity, and connection take center stage—not constant notifications,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “By reducing distractions during the school day and partnering with educators, parents, and students, we’re creating environments where every young person has the opportunity to fully engage in learning and build a stronger future.”

Informed by Teachers, Parents, and Students

As school districts develop their plans to align with SB 2427, input from teachers and administrators, parents, and students will be critical in implementing cell phone use policies that keep classrooms distraction-free.

All Illinois public schools teaching kindergarten through 8th grade will implement a bell-to-bell cell phone ban that prohibits access to personal devices throughout the entirety of the school day. Illinois high schools will also implement a bell-to-bell ban but will be provided an opt out option that permits access during passing periods or lunch, while still prohibiting cell phone use during classes.

On September 1, the Illinois School Board of Education (ISBE) will share a template policy for school districts to begin developing policies and engaging community members for feedback. Their input will inform how schools in each district align with the bell-to-bell policy and store phones.

“Students learn best when they are fully present in the classroom,” said Illinois State Board of Education State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders. “This new law gives schools the tools and flexibility to reduce distractions, strengthen student engagement, and support healthier learning environments. Just as importantly, it ensures that local communities, educators, and families have a voice in how these policies are developed and implemented.”

The implementation plan follows as such:

• September 1, 2026: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to share a template policy for school districts to bring to community discussion
• Start of 2027-2028 Academic Year: Illinois schools to implement finalized cell phone policies
• Start of 2031-2032 Academic Year: Any district that met the requirements of the grandfathering in period for already having policies must update theirs to align with SB242 by this time period

Key Exceptions

SB 2427 was designed to meet the goals of cell phone-free schools while also ensuring those who need devices can retain access. Districts’ plans must allow for the following exceptions:

• When a medical professional determines that the possession or use of a wireless communication device is necessary for the management of a student’s health care
• To fulfill an Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan
• When the device is necessary for students who are English learners to access learning materials, participate in class, or otherwise facilitate communication
• When a student is a caregiver and is routinely responsible for the care and wellbeing of a family member

Districts may also choose to allow the following exceptions:

• Allow high school students to access their phone during their lunch period and/or passing period
• In the event of a potential emergency
• When a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes—e.g. Chromebook use, technology-based activities, etc.

Deterring unequal punitive measures

Many other states have applied bell-to-bell cell phone policies, with teachers and administrators reporting greater attention and focus from students, increased attendance, and fewer behavioral incidents. However, many schools saw a temporary increase in suspensions, particularly among Black students.

In order to ensure that classroom cell phone bans are applied effectively and equitably, SB 2427 includes a stipulation that school policies are not to be enforced with fines, suspensions, or by school resource officers and law enforcement deployment.

Empowering teachers and students

In 2024, 72% of high school teachers said cell phone distraction is a “major problem” in the classrooms. Teachers play a huge role in educating and encouraging our children as they grow, and Governor Pritzker believes they deserve support in creating an environment that makes way for learning unhindered by the attention demands posed by cell phones.

In addition to cultivating environments that keep students engaged, SB 2427 will reduce the negative impacts cell phone use can have on kids – including mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and suffering self-image due to cyberbullying and social media. As cell phones becomes more pervasive in every part of our lives, Governor Pritzker is dedicated to keeping kids safe and healthy, while providing them with the best opportunity at a bright future. That starts by giving them a full school day on Do Not Disturb.

“Cell phone usage is a significant distraction in classrooms and a factor in the mental health of our youth,” said State Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg). “By creating clear limitations on phone use in schools, with thoughtful exceptions, we're ensuring our students are more engaged in their lessons while freeing our teachers to focus on curriculum instead of classroom management. Students will be encouraged to interact more with their educators and peers, which is essential to social development. This bill will create a more positive and impactful teaching and learning environment.”

“When we invest in our students’ education, we invest in the future of our state,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “The goal of Senate Bill 2427 is to refocus students on learning and assist educators so they can teach without the distraction of cellphones in the classroom.”

“Bringing phone-free schools to Illinois is one of the most impactful things we can do to increase learning time and strengthen human connections for our students,” said Jessica Handy, IL Executive Director of Stand for Children. “We are grateful for Governor Pritzker’s leadership to get this done in the most restorative justice-centered and equitable phone-free schools law in the nation.”

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