Should Illinois Adopt Gov. JB Pritzker’s Proposal to Ban Cellphones in Schools? Here’s What Readers Say
Mixed Reactions from Readers
We asked what Sun-Times readers think of Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposal to ban cellphones in Illinois schools during instructional periods. Here’s what they had to say, lightly edited for clarity:
Teachers Weigh In
"I dislike, and I’m a teacher. Students at our school have to store their phones in a specific spot in each class until class ends. If something happens, I want them to have access to their phones." — Julie Marie
Parents and Students Share Their Thoughts
"I think it will be met with resistance at first. But it might take pressure off our youth." — Lauren Ethriemstar
Critics of the Proposal
"It’s not really going to work because so many schools rely on technology in the classroom. They have iPads and other tablets as a mandatory part of their learning." — Tiffanie Sperling
Supporters Weigh In
"The local schools should make this decision." — Julie Gravatt Copher
A School Nurse’s Perspective
"I am a school nurse and I had a kid text her mom to come and pick her up because she was sick. The teacher thought the student had seen me between classes, but I never saw the student. And the kid wasn’t sick." — Denise Terracciano Glennon
Emergency Preparedness
"You wouldn’t want them not to have phones. If an emergency should happen like a shooting or fire, it’s good to have to call for help." — Sheri Thomas
Traditional Approach
"We all survived without phones in our pockets at school. Kids should be focused on instruction and face-to-face social interaction with their peers, not buried in those phones all day. If there is an emergency, I want them laser-focused on listening to their teacher or admins for instruction." — Anonymous
The Impact of Technology on Education
"Over the past 10 years, smartphones have become more popular, and just about all parents buy one for their kids. And classroom teaching has not been the same since." — Donny Falk
Alternative Solutions
"Investing in software like location-based app blockers might be more effective." — Paulina
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the proposal to ban cellphones in Illinois schools during instructional periods is complex, with readers weighing in on both sides. While some argue that a ban would help students focus on their education, others believe that access to phones is essential in case of an emergency. Ultimately, the decision ultimately rests with local schools and administrators.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current policy on cellphones in Illinois schools?
- How would a ban on cellphones affect students with disabilities or special needs?
- Are there any alternative solutions to the issue of cellphone use in schools?
- How would the proposal be enforced, and what consequences would be in place for students who violate the rule?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of banning cellphones in schools?
