Pennsylvania, Illinois Advance School Phone Curbs as 11 States Tighten Rules in 2026
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 3
Pennsylvania, Illinois Advance School Phone Curbs as 11 States Tighten Rules in 2026
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 3
Summary
Pennsylvania’s House passed a bill on June 1 requiring every school district to adopt student phone restrictions, with local officials setting the details and implementation due by the 2027-28 school year.
Illinois lawmakers approved a similar measure on May 31 covering public and charter schools during class time; if Gov. JB Pritzker signs it, the state will issue a model policy by Sept. 1.
At least 11 states have amended or passed school phone laws since January, while four states saw similar bills fail; only Montana has not introduced any such legislation.
The push has been fueled by concerns over distraction, cyberbullying and excessive screen time, including a May 20 Surgeon General advisory that cited school phone bans as one possible tool.
New research has complicated the case: an April NBER study found lockable-pouch bans cut phone use but showed little academic benefit in the first year and coincided with lower reported well-being and more suspensions.