Illinois students’ learning, engagement and test scores could be on track to improve significantly under a proposal from State Senator Cristina Castro seeking to limit students’ use of cellphones during classroom instruction.

“Every student in Illinois deserves a quality education,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The growing mental health crisis among children has been shown to be directly related to constant access to these devices, which poses a serious concern for their education.”

Almost three-quarters of high school teachers recently polled by Pew Research said cellphone distraction is a major problem in their classes. At least 10 states currently have laws, executive orders, or state education department policies restricting student use of cellphones during class.

Through Senate Bill 2474, school districts would be required to adopt a set of policies ensuring that students do not inappropriately use cellphones during instructional time in a way that meets the needs of their school community. Each school district’s policy would need to allow for exceptions in cases such as emergencies and for technology used by students with disabilities. The measure would provide local flexibility by allowing school boards to implement the policy in a manner that best suits their communities.

“Multiple teachers in my community have reached out to me and my colleagues asking us to take action to reduce the inappropriate and distracting use of cellphones during class time,” Castro said. “On top of increasing state-level investments in our schools to address learning outcomes, these policies would serve as one more tool to help ensure kids can focus and perform their best.”

Senate Bill 2427 passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.