Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday proposed a statewide ban on cell phones in school classrooms, as part of an effort to improve students' performance and mental health by removing electronic devices that many have said have become major distractions.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is aiming to improve student achievement, social interaction and the mental health of public school students by proposing a statewide ban on cellphones in classrooms, an idea that is rapidly gaining traction nationally regardless of political persuasion.

Illinois public school students may no longer have their cell phones on them when they start school in 2026. At the State of the State, Governor J.B. Pritzker said he is championing a bill to ban cellphone usage in classrooms.