Governor JB Pritzker Advocates for Statewide School Cell Phone Ban; Hinsdale HS District 86 Among Those Already Implementing Restrictions

In a bold move, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has put forward a proposal to prohibit cell phone use during school hours.

While the idea might seem new to some, many educational institutions in the Chicago vicinity have already implemented their own restrictions on mobile devices. Hinsdale High School District 86 serves as one example of an area already taking action.

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As soon as the bell signals the end of one class and the start of passing period, a common scene unfolds: students quickly move to their next classes with cell phones prominently in hand.

“Over the past couple of years, cell phones have become the most significant source of frustration for teachers,” noted Ryan Maita, the Assistant Principal at Hinsdale Central High School.

The widespread use of mobile phones is leading to disruptions and conflicts that are cutting into essential learning time.

“They can’t go without their phones for long periods of time. It’s like a crazy addiction to some people,” Hinsdale South High School student Gabriel Carrillo said.

Previously, student cell phone use was left to teachers’ discretion. But, administrators say, that wasn’t working. This school year is the first for their “bell to bell no cell” policy.

“Hallways and lunch room: Students can use and interact with their phones, but not during instructional minutes,” Hinsdale South High School Assistant Principal Kyle Burritt said.

The process is pretty simple: Students walk into class and drop their phones in little caddies, where they stay for the duration of that period. When the bell rings, they can pick them up on their way out to their next class.

“There’s some freedom, and I’m really glad that it exists. And it’s like, yeah, I cannot have my phone during class. But like after, I can catch up on what I need and have a quick five-minute break to myself, listen to music. And then the next class starts, and then I’m back being focused,” Hinsdale South student Ruben Craddock said.

While Hinsdale’s policy carves out time for cell phone use, Gov. Pritzker’s state-wide proposal bans them for the entire school day. Though, there are exceptions, most notably during lunchtime and when approved by a doctor that a student needs the phone to manage their health.

“We had parents who were nervous about an all-out ban because they want to get in contact with their students. They feel there might be times they need to speak with their child,” Burritt said.

So the district settled on a middle ground that protects class time and also teaches students how to use their cell phones responsibly.

“This kid is going to be in a dorm a year from now with their cell phone. And what we would love to see is a kid that understands, ‘let me take my phone and put it over by my bed and let me come over to my desk and do this work myself,’” Hinsdale South High School English teacher Steve Moore said.