Hinsdale Schools Restrict Student Cellphone Use

New policies aim to limit digital distractions and promote focused learning environments.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Students in Hinsdale High School District 86 and Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 now face restrictions on when they can use their cellphones during the school day. The new policies, implemented at the start of the current school year, require students to keep their phones out of sight and out of mind during instructional periods to avoid digital distractions and promote engaged learning. While some students argue phones can be used for educational purposes, school administrators believe the policies are necessary to create focused, collaborative, and respectful learning environments.

Why it matters

As schools and districts across the country grapple with the challenges of student cellphone use, Hinsdale's new policies represent a proactive approach to managing digital distractions and fostering more productive learning. The restrictions aim to address concerns about cheating, lack of focus, and overreliance on constant connectivity, while also empowering students to develop self-regulation skills around phone usage.

The details

In District 86, students must now keep their cellphones and other personal electronic devices out of sight during instructional periods. Teachers can require students to place their phones in designated holders or locations. Outside of class, students are allowed to use their phones in non-instructional spaces like hallways, study halls, and during lunch. District 181 also collects cellphones from elementary students and requires middle school students to keep them in lockers during the school day, with limited exceptions for approved projects.

  • The new cellphone policies were implemented at the start of the current 2026-2027 school year.
  • Prior to this school year, there was no universal rule about cellphone use, and teachers could set their own classroom policies.

The players

Hinsdale High School District 86

A public school district serving high school students in Hinsdale, Illinois.

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181

A public school district serving elementary and middle school students in Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills, Illinois.

Alex Mayster

The executive director of communication for Hinsdale High School District 86.

Cara Hurley

A clinical psychologist in private practice with two children attending school in District 181.

Cory Burke

The principal of Hinsdale Middle School in District 181.

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What they’re saying

“Students and staff are expected to keep cellphones and other personal electronic devices out of sight, thereby out of mind, during instructional periods.”

— Alex Mayster, Executive Director of Communication, Hinsdale High School District 86 (chicagotribune.com)

“Learning to put phones aside is an important skill. I would love to see schools develop policies in collaboration with students, geared toward helping students learn how to manage their phone use.”

— Cara Hurley, Clinical Psychologist (chicagotribune.com)

“Our policy isn't about restriction; it's about creating the cognitive space necessary for students to trade constant connectivity for deep, meaningful engagement.”

— Cory Burke, Principal, Hinsdale Middle School (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

The school districts will continue to monitor the implementation of the new cellphone policies and gather feedback from students, families, and staff to ensure the policies support a focused and engaging learning environment.

The takeaway

Hinsdale's proactive approach to managing student cellphone use represents a growing trend among schools to find the right balance between leveraging technology and minimizing digital distractions. As students navigate an increasingly connected world, these policies aim to help them develop self-regulation skills and prioritize meaningful in-class learning.