Grayslake H.S. Students Face Cell Phone Restrictions Under School Policy

GRAYSLAKE, IL — Grayslake high schools are continuing restrictions on student cell phone use during the school day, with phones required to be turned off or silenced and stored away during most school hours.

The policy, included in the school's 2024-25 student handbook materials and provided to Patch, applies to all Grayslake North and Central students.

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The policy is part of a broader push by Illinois schools to limit student cell phone use during the school day. A new statewide law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker requires Illinois public schools to adopt policies governing student use of wireless communication devices during the school day beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

Under rules for Grayslake high school students, cell phone restrictions are in effect from the first bell at 8:15 a.m. until the final bell at 3:20 p.m., or from 9:15 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. on late-start days.

During those hours, students are required to turn off or silence their phones and store them in lockers or designated cell phone caddies. Students cannot use phones for calls, texting, social media, games or other purposes during class, assemblies or school-related activities unless a teacher specifically permits their use for educational purposes.

The policy does allow students to use their phones before and after school.

Phones also may be used during lunch and in designated areas, including soft seating areas, The HUB and the cafe.

The restrictions are intended to reduce distractions and encourage face-to-face interaction while supporting a focused learning environment, according to the school's parent guide.

The new state law, which will take effect next school year, requires school districts to prohibit students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time and establishes requirements for policies addressing use during the broader school day. District policies can be more restrictive.

Grayslake's existing policy allows limited phone use during lunch and in designated areas, while requiring phones to be stored during class and other school activities.

The school said the goal is to minimize distractions, promote face-to-face interactions and enhance academic performance.