Illinois schools debate statewide cellphone ban for classrooms

Illinois lawmakers are considering a statewide ban on cellphone use in classrooms, requiring schools to store devices during instructional time by the 2026-2027 school year. This proposal includes exceptions for students with accommodations and emergencies. Homewood-Flossmoor and Orland Park school districts have already implemented cellphone policies. Homewood-Flossmoor has installed locked boxes for phones, while Orland Park allows teachers to set their own guidelines for phone use during class. Officials from both districts express mixed feelings about a statewide ban. Homewood-Flossmoor's principal supports the legislation, citing research on distractions, while Orland Park's superintendent highlights the need for flexibility in policies to suit different classroom environments.