Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced Wednesday he will push for a ban on cellphones in schools.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 11:48AMIllinois Governor JB Pritzker announced Wednesday he will push for a ban on cellphones in schools. This new proposal would require all school districts and charter schools in Illinois to adopt a policy, limiting the use of cellphones during the school day.
Several schools in the Chicago area already have rules in place, restricting cellphones in classrooms. A Pew Research study found, 72% of high school teachers identified cellphone distraction as a "major problem" in their classroom. The governor's office said these devices harm students' education and mental health, reducing social interactions and increasing distractions during instruction. So Governor Pritzker is proposing a statewide ban, once again.- When a medical professional determines it's needed to manage the student's health care.-Or if students are English learners and need to access learning materials to participate in class.Schools may also choose to allow additional exceptions at their discretion.Related Topics
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pritzker Faces Financial Uncertainty in Budget AddressIllinois Governor JB Pritzker will present his budget, navigating economic challenges from federal funding cuts and policy changes while aiming for a balanced budget amidst political and economic uncertainties.
Read more »
Hyatt executive Tom Pritzker stepping down over association with Epstein and Maxwell: ‘Terrible judgment’Documents capture Pritzker's long relationship with Epstein, including emails exchanged as recently as early 2019.
Read more »
Thomas Pritzker, cousin of Illinois governor, steps down as head of Hyatt due to ties with Jeffrey EpsteinBillionaire Thomas Pritzker will be stepping down as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels and will not be seeking reelection for the position over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, he announced on Monday.
Read more »
Mt. Edgecumbe bill vetoed by governor returns with vote scheduled WednesdayA bill enabling Mt. Edgecumbe High School to receive funding has been cleared for a Senate vote later this week after lawmakers visited the school and described “deplorable” conditions.
Read more »
Gov. JB Pritzker to propose suspending tax incentives for data centers in IllinoisNatasha Korecki is a senior national political reporter for NBC News.
Read more »
Where to observe Ash Wednesday in the Rochester areaWednesday marks Ash Wednesday, when Christians observe the beginning of Lent.
Read more »