As Pritzker proposes school cell phone ban, some Illinois schools already have limits in place

DARIEN, Ill. (WLS) -- Gov. JB Pritzker is proposing the ban of cell phones during school hours.

Many schools in the Chicago area already limit the use of cell phones with their own district policies, including Hinsdale High School District 86.

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As soon as the bell rings for passing period, kids are off to their next classes, many with cell phones already in hand.

"The biggest frustration from teachers in the past couple years has been the cell phone," Hinsdale Central High School Assistant Principal Ryan Maita said.

Distractions and power struggles are encroaching on valuable learning time.

"They can't go without their phones for long periods of time. It's like a crazy addiction to some people," Hinsdale South High School student Gabriel Carrillo said.

Previously, student cell phone use was left to teachers' discretion. But, administrators say, that wasn't working. This school year is the first for their "bell to bell no cell" policy.

"Hallways and lunch room: Students can use and interact with their phones, but not during instructional minutes," Hinsdale South High School Assistant Principal Kyle Burritt said.

The process is pretty simple: Students walk into class and drop their phones in little caddies, where they stay for the duration of that period. When the bell rings, they can pick them up on their way out to their next class.

"There's some freedom, and I'm really glad that it exists. And it's like, yeah, I cannot have my phone during class. But like after, I can catch up on what I need and have a quick five-minute break to myself, listen to music. And then the next class starts, and then I'm back being focused," Hinsdale South student Ruben Craddock said.

While Hinsdale's policy carves out time for cell phone use, Gov. Pritzker's state-wide proposal bans them for the entire school day. Though, there are exceptions, most notably during lunchtime and when approved by a doctor that a student needs the phone to manage their health.

"We had parents who were nervous about an all-out ban because they want to get in contact with their students. They feel there might be times they need to speak with their child," Burritt said.

So the district settled on a middle ground that protects class time and also teaches students how to use their cell phones responsibly.

"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,'" Hinsdale South High School English teacher Steve Moore said.