Gov. Pritzker calls for cellphone ban in Illinois classrooms
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday detailed a proposed new measure aimed at keeping students off social media and focused on studies.
Pritzker wants schools to ban cellphones.
He cited a Pew research study showing 72% of high school teachers identified cellphone distraction as a "major problem" in their classroom, and also cited studies showing cellphone bans are linked to a decrease in bullying and an increase in test scores.
"[The ban] will allow out teachers to focus on really what matters most—delivering a quality education that opens up opportunities for kids across our state," Pritzker said.
Exceptions to the ban would be made for emergencies, for phone-specific lessons, for doctor-approved health apps, and in the event of a need for translation technology.
Some of Illinois' largest school districts are already limiting cellphones in classrooms — including Springfield, Peoria, and Champaign.