An Illinois bill to ban cell phones in school is gaining bipartisan support.
If passed, Senate Bill 2424 would require school districts in Illinois to adopt a policy limiting the use of wireless communication devices on school grounds during the day-from “bell to bell.”
Nearly 75% of high school teachers say cell phone distraction in their classroom is a major problem, while Illinois is currently one of only eight states with no statewide ban on cell phones.
State Senator Cristina Castro is spearheading the legislation. After refining the bill’s language to ensure it supports students rather than simply penalizing them, Castro says the focus has shifted toward total engagement.
“We originally had it as instructional time and now we say all school time,” said Senator Castro. “There’s a little bit of exception in that’s where you mention the bell to bell. We also changed how it can be used as an enforcement mechanism; we have now prohibited it can be used for fines. We don’t want it to be used as a weapon… we want the student to learn like, ‘this is why you need to put the device away.'”
Castro emphasized that while the bill allows exceptions for school-issued devices, the ultimate goal is personal growth. “At the end of the day, we want the student to learn and develop those soft skills. We want them to engage.”
While the state considers the mandate, some districts are already seeing the benefits of a phone-free environment. Hinsdale District 86 has already implemented its own policy.
“In District 86, students are expected to have their phones on silent and out of sight during instructional periods,” said Principal Bill Walsh. “We have a ‘bell to bell, no cell’ practice at our school and it’s worked wonderful. Students are engaged-actively engaged-they’re listening to the perspective of other students; they’re learning.”
Walsh noted that the policy is not meant to be a form of punishment.
Despite some districts already having a cell phone policy in place, Principal Bill Walsh says that statewide uniformity is key.
“It creates a standard of care,” said Walsh. “No matter what classroom that child goes to, no matter who their teacher is, it’s the same expectations within that classroom.”
However, the push for a ban hasn’t been without its hurdles. Senator Castro noted that some of the most significant pushback has come from parents, specifically regarding student safety and the ability to communicate during emergencies. But Castro says that law enforcement agencies have been very supportive.
“Mostly because when there is a crisis, they want them to focus on what that plan is,” Castro explained. “If the plan is you need to follow your teacher, they want you to be watching and listening to your teacher’s instructions on how to safely navigate that crisis, not texting information or posting things on Facebook. They actually found that to be more dangerous because then parents rush a school.”
Walsh emphasized that “bell-to-bell” doesn’t mean total blackout.
“Parents know they can get a hold of their child during the school day-they can call the office,” said Walsh. “They can pick (the phone) up during lunch or passing periods. I don’t know of a situation where a parent hasn’t been able to get a hold of their child during the school day.”
