Chicago Students Share Mixed Feelings on Pritzker Proposal to Restrict Classroom Use of Cellphones

Students at Farragut Career Academy in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood aren’t allowed to carry their cellphones in school.

At the school, kids have to check their phones into a room where they remain locked for the school day. The idea is to keep students focused on their classes, engaged in real-life social interactions, and away from the distractions and, at times, drama that phones and social media can bring.

There have been mixed reactions.

Seniors Diego Servin and Esmeralda Orozco said they don’t even bother bringing their phones to school anymore. Orozco, 17, said she doesn’t think the ban is the solution to keeping students engaged.

“If someone doesn’t want to do their work, they’re going to find a way not to do it,” she said. “So I don’t think having your cellphone will make a difference.”

Illinois Officials and Researchers are Betting Otherwise

Illinois officials and researchers are betting that restricting cellphone use in the classroom can lead to improved academic performance and reduced distractions.

Gov. JB Pritzker is looking to make all Illinois public and charter school classes phone-free in a proposal announced this week. There are bills in both chambers of the state Legislature targeting this issue in the spring session.

Pritzker’s plan would require school districts to come up with policies that ban phones during classroom instruction with some caveats. They’d be allowed in the case of emergencies or “imminent threats.” Teachers could continue to have their classes use them for lessons. And children with disabilities, health concerns, or who are learning English could still use them when necessary.

The governor’s proposal would not ban phones in hallways, cafeterias, or other non-instruction spaces or times.

What Students Think

Diego Servin, a senior at Farragut Career Academy, doesn’t support restricting cellphone use in classrooms. “It bothers me a lot that we can’t have them,” he said.

At Thomas Kelly College Prep in Brighton Park, freshman Alex Cervantes, 15, said he felt safer having access to his phone.

“A ban would probably be a big impact for us,” Cervantes said. “This is an OK neighborhood, but you never know what could happen. I’m just not used to not having my phone with me.”

What Educators Think

Natasha Erskine, executive director of the parent group Raise Your Hand, said it’s clear research backs the benefits of phone-free learning, but she raised concerns with parent-student communication and with fair implementation.

“It usually lands a burden with those who have been historically criminalized, marginalized, pushed out of the classroom,” Erskine said. “That is the inequity that we have not seen enough attention put towards, so it persists.”

What’s Next

Pritzker’s proposal would prohibit enforcement of a cellphone policy using fines, fees, tickets, or police. Students and parents could also be concerned about how to contact each other in the event of an emergency, and some older students who are caregivers for their younger siblings may need access to their phones.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding cellphone use in classrooms is complex, with valid points on both sides. While some argue that restrictions can lead to improved academic performance and reduced distractions, others worry about the potential negative impacts on communication and access to information.

As the debate continues, it’s clear that the decision will have far-reaching consequences for students, educators, and policymakers alike.

FAQs

* What is the Pritzker proposal?
The proposal would require school districts to come up with policies that ban phones during classroom instruction with some caveats.
* What are the caveats?
Phones would be allowed in the case of emergencies or “imminent threats.” Teachers could continue to have their classes use them for lessons. And children with disabilities, health concerns, or who are learning English could still use them when necessary.
* What are the concerns about the proposal?
Some parents and students worry about the impact on communication and access to information.
* What do educators think?
Some educators support the proposal, while others have concerns about the potential negative impacts on student learning and engagement.