Illinois Schools Implement Cell Phone Limits as Pritzker Proposes Statewide Ban

Some districts have already adopted "bell to bell no cell" policies, finding a middle ground between complete bans and unfettered access.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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As Illinois Governor JB Pritzker proposes a statewide ban on cell phones during school hours, many schools in the Chicago area have already implemented their own policies to limit student cell phone use. Districts like Hinsdale High School District 86 have adopted "bell to bell no cell" policies, where students must store their phones in caddies during class time but can use them during passing periods and lunch. School administrators say this approach helps reduce classroom distractions while still giving students some freedom to use their phones responsibly.

Why it matters

The debate over cell phone policies in schools has intensified as the devices have become ubiquitous. While some argue for complete bans to minimize disruptions, others want to teach students how to use phones responsibly. The Hinsdale approach aims to strike a balance, protecting instructional time while giving students controlled access.

The details

Hinsdale High School District 86 implemented its "bell to bell no cell" policy this school year. Students must store their phones in caddies during class, but can use them during passing periods and lunch. Administrators say this has reduced classroom disruptions compared to previous policies that left cell phone use up to teacher discretion. The district settled on this middle ground after some parents expressed concerns about an outright ban, wanting to maintain the ability to contact their children.

  • The "bell to bell no cell" policy in Hinsdale High School District 86 went into effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
  • Governor Pritzker proposed the statewide school cell phone ban in February 2026.

The players

JB Pritzker

The governor of Illinois who has proposed a statewide ban on cell phones in schools during instructional hours.

Hinsdale High School District 86

A school district in the Chicago area that has implemented a "bell to bell no cell" policy, requiring students to store their phones in caddies during class time.

Ryan Maita

The assistant principal at Hinsdale Central High School.

Kyle Burritt

The assistant principal at Hinsdale South High School.

Steve Moore

An English teacher at Hinsdale South High School.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest frustration from teachers in the past couple years has been the cell phone.”

— Ryan Maita, Assistant Principal, Hinsdale Central High School (abc7chicago.com)

“They can't go without their phones for long periods of time. It's like a crazy addiction to some people.”

— Gabriel Carrillo, Student, Hinsdale South High School (abc7chicago.com)

“Hallways and lunch room: Students can use and interact with their phones, but not during instructional minutes.”

— Kyle Burritt, Assistant Principal, Hinsdale South High School (abc7chicago.com)

“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.'”

— Steve Moore, English Teacher, Hinsdale South High School (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

The Illinois state legislature will consider Governor Pritzker's proposed statewide cell phone ban in schools during the upcoming legislative session.

The takeaway

As the debate over cell phone policies in schools continues, some districts are finding a middle ground approach that balances the need to minimize classroom disruptions with giving students some freedom to use their phones responsibly. This highlights the challenge of crafting policies that address the realities of modern student life.