On March 6th,  Governor  JB Pritzker proposed a statewide ban on cell phones in school classrooms.  This is part of an effort to improve students’ performance and mental health by removing electronic devices that many have said have become major distractions. Pritzker is making some exceptions for the use of phones within schools such as: students would be allowed to use wireless devices with a teacher’s approval for educational purposes, in an emergency, or in response to a threat to their health or safety, when a doctor deems it necessary for a specific student, for a student’s individual special education plan, or to help students for whom English is their second language.  

Although I believe that phones can be a distraction to some kids, I think that it serves an overall positive purpose for students. Phones can be used for music to help kids concentrate, a way to communicate to their parents or friends about an important issue, or as an overall way for students to feel less anxious.  

Lincoln-Way-Central student Autumn DeRosa believes that schools would function better without phones. She asserts, “However phones should not be banned completely – just during class times and things of that nature.” She thinks that students would learn better overall, and they would be able to focus on specific tasks instead of being constantly distracted. On the other hand, Autumn does think that there are some positives to being allowed phones during class time. Autumn claims, “I think some advantages to having your phone during class is that it can be used as a backup if you have any tech issues on your laptop. I also think that it is good to have communication in case something was to happen either at home or throughout the school.” 

Overall, I think that schools should not completely ban phones due to safety reasons and it helps students calm down by listening to music in the hallway. In addition, it helps them break up the day. Therefore, there should be a healthy balance between phone usage during school hours.