Edwardsville District 7 phone ban resolution fails to pass But don’t let that headline mislead you - the real takeaway is the strong support for our own district’s cell phone policy. While the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Delegate Assembly voted “Do Not Adopt” on the proposed resolution, this doesn’t mean strict opposition to restrictions on cell phones in schools; it means a decision not to pursue a statewide mandate. I was very proud to discuss this issue with Board members throughout Illinois who voiced their concerns about mental health, literacy and wireless communication devices in our learning environment(s). Edwardsville District 7 remains committed to its policy, setting a model for balancing technology and learning in our schools.
As a school board member, I am increasingly focused on the 1. well-being of all our students and 2. their literacy development, examining the tools both board members and educators have available to support that, whether it is through supporting educators and staff regarding curriculum, creating policy, or utilizing community partnerships, i.e. -D7’s with the Edwardsville Public Library, where every D7 student is eligible for a library card! With the Libby app, our students can download up to five books at a time!
Here are my remarks at the IASB Delegate Assembly: Greetings, fellow IASB members.
I am here today to ask for your support on a vote to adopt the resolution regarding cell phone usage in schools. You may wonder why this issue is worth bringing forward. My answer aligns with what Mickey Smith Jr. said yesterday: we must “Keep on Going” to support what we believe in. He offered keywords: trust, relationship, influence, instruction, and vision, and linked social media influencers with trust. This displacement has affected education. Trust should reside with our educators and our schools, not our social media influencers. Our attention should be focused upon what is in front of us, not on our phones.
Our own students have said that implementation of our policy has created an environment that encourages conversation and discussion in the classroom and out.
As of November 4, 2024, eight states have implemented statewide policies restricting cell phone use in schools. Twelve more states have introduced similar legislation, while nine states are piloting or recommending policies. That’s 29 states leading efforts to create phone-free school environments. It’s time for Illinois to take action.
Here’s why this matters.
Firearms have been the leading cause of death for US children and teens since 2020. Less than 10% of those deaths are accidental. That leaves us with Suicide and Homicide. Our children are in the midst of a mental health crisis and unfettered access to their phones is not helping - it is harming.
The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has urged Congress to issue warnings about social media’s mental health risks. Gallup data shows kids spend an average of four hours a day on social media.
Cell phones don’t belong in the hands of a developing brain during learning hours. They are a nuisance, a distraction, and a barrier to literacy. In 1976, 40% of high school seniors reported reading six or more books a year for fun, while only 11% said they hadn’t read any. By 2022, those numbers had flipped.
Literacy is the foundation for developing critical thinkers and preparing students for the rigors of adulthood.
As Dr. Maryanne Wolf reminds us, every child can “become something they never imagined” through deep literacy. This resolution helps create environments where students can focus on learning, free from digital distractions.
This proposal is not about mandates but about empowering local districts. By collaborating with the General Assembly, we shape legislation that reflects our collective expertise, providing an equitable educational experience for all Illinois students. Importantly, this isn’t a financial burden—We are not using pouches. We are enforcing the rules.
Safety concerns? The resolution accounts for exceptions like emergencies, health conditions, and IEP accommodations. A clear and consistent statewide policy would create safer, more predictable environments for students and staff.
While IASB press policies offer guidance, they lack the enforceability of legislation. Without legislative support, not all Illinois students will benefit equally from the data-driven solutions we know are necessary.
As school board members, our duty is to strengthen public education through local control while collaborating at the state level to ensure the best outcomes for all students. The long-term benefits of reducing cell phone use in schools—improved academic performance, mental health, and emotional resilience—are at the heart of this resolution. In supporting this resolution, we make a statement: Illinois students deserve a learning environment that prioritizes their mental health, academic growth, and future success.
Let’s act boldly to create the schools our students need.
Thank you