Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has signed legislation requiring schools across the state to restrict students from using cellphones and other personal wireless devices during the school day.
The new rules are intended to create learning environments with fewer distractions and allow students to focus more closely on classroom instruction. Pritzker signed the legislation Tuesday after Illinois lawmakers approved Senate Bill 2427 during the spring legislative session.
Restrictions Will Cover Most of the School Day
Under the new law, every school board in Illinois will be required to adopt a policy prohibiting students from using personal wireless devices during what the legislation defines as “school time.” 
That period generally begins when students arrive at school and continues until dismissal. It includes classroom instruction, recess, lunch, and passing periods between classes.
However, individual school districts may choose to allow high school students to use their devices during lunch and passing periods. As a result, the restrictions may not be identical in every district, since local school officials will retain some flexibility when developing their policies.
Students Will Still Be Allowed to Bring Phones to School
The legislation does not prohibit students from bringing cellphones to school. Instead, school districts will be required to establish rules explaining how and where personal devices must be stored during the school day.
Schools may permit students to use phones and other wireless devices for educational purposes or during emergencies.
The law also requires exceptions for students with certain medical needs, individualized education programs, Section 504 plans, English learners, and some students who serve as caregivers for other people.
When the New Policies Will Take Effect
Illinois school districts must adopt policies that comply with the law by the beginning of the 2027–28 school year.
The Illinois State Board of Education must publish a model policy by September 1, 2026. That model will provide school districts with a framework they can use when developing their own rules.
Districts that already have policies restricting cellphone use during most or all of the school day will be allowed to keep those rules in place through the 2030–31 school year.
Source: FOX32 Photo: Printscreen
