Deuter-Backed Bill to Combat Distractions in Classrooms, Cut Down on Unnecessary Cellphone Use in Schools

ELMHURST, Ill. – Schools will be more productive under new legislation backed by state Rep. Marti Deuter, D-Elmhurst which cuts down on modern classroom interruptions that challenge students’ focus.

Senate Bill 2427 would restrict the use of personal electronic devices, including cell phones, to a limited number of cases during the school day. The bill comes after rising concerns of the role cell phones play in creating distractions in the classroom.

“Our world is finding itself increasingly online, now more than ever it seems,” said Deuter. “Cell phones connect our world like never before and grant access to knowledge from all kinds of fields and interests. But in the classroom, they divide students’ attention and cause unnecessary distractions.”

Accepted use of personal electronic devices during the school day would include:

• To fulfill an individualized education program (IEP), a Section 504 plan or another written accommodation plan.
• To assist in a student managing their healthcare or if a student is routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member.
• If school personnel authorize the use for educational purposes or for English language learners to access educational materials.

Additionally, school districts would be permitted to allow the use of personal electronic devices during high school students’ lunch periods.

School boards would be required to adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy by the beginning of the 2027-2028 school year. Policies would not be permitted to be enforced through fees, suspensions, expulsions or the deployment of a school resource officer.

At least 30 states have passed similar legislation banning the use of cell phones in schools as concerns increase around the role they play in distracting students from their education.

“Schools are places where kids come together and learn. Not just about math or science, but about who they are as individuals,” Deuter said. “They are places of growth and development, and it’s important that we do all we can to build a learning environment that supports that.”