Big Changes For Students' Cell Phone Use At Joliet West, Joliet Central Announced By District 204

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, Joliet Township High School will implement a new cell phone policy.

By John Ferak, Patch Staff

Apr 27, 2026 4:29 pm CDT | Updated Apr 27, 2026 4:35 pm CDT

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JOLIET, IL — Joliet Township High School administrators will implement a new cell phone policy starting with the 2026-2027 school year for students at Joliet West and Joliet Central. The district indicated that the JTHS parent-teacher advisory committee met throughout the school year to come up with the plan.

According to District 204's announcement of the new policy:

The policy was developed through the JTHS Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee, a group made up of parents, community members, and staff. The committee met throughout the year to review research, gather feedback and carefully consider how phone use affects learning, relationships, and student well-being.

Students will be expected to keep their cell phones turned off and placed in the assigned storage space in each classroom from the start of class until the bell rings. Please note that if a student has a documented medical need, IEP, or 504 accommodations related to phone use, they won’t be required to place their phone in the storage unit. Teachers will follow the accommodations in the plan.

This expectation applies to all classes, including Advisory.

In addition:

Smart or AI-enabled glasses, including devices such as Meta glasses, are not allowed at JTHS facilities or events.
Headphones and earbuds must be removed and stored during class.
Phones may not be used in academic areas, offices, bathrooms or locker rooms.
Non-JTHS electronic devices(i.e.headphones/earbuds, iPods, iPads & non-JTHS laptops, etc.) must be off and stored in backpacks during class time.

Students may use their phones during passing periods and lunch.

The goal of this policy is simple: to protect student focus and support stronger learning environments. Research shows that when phones are out of sight, students are better able to concentrate, retain information, and perform better academically. Even when silent, phones can create distractions that interrupt learning.