EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) – During recess at Evanston High School, virtually every student in the hallway has a phone in their hand. The five-minute recess is one of the few times they are allowed to use their phone at school. Once in the classroom, the phones are stored in a bin for the duration of class.

“We have lost many hours of teaching time and also contact time,” said chemistry teacher Tina Lulla.

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Lulla said students are distracted by constant messages during class, which leads to learning difficulties, so Evanston implemented a school-wide policy this summer banning cell phones during class.

Author Dr. Judy Jo has written a book about the pervasive influence of electronic devices on our lives, the effects of which can be particularly harmful for teenagers and prepubescent children.

“Whether it’s a total ban or just for certain periods of time, trying it is really important,” she said.

Many school districts in the Chicago area are grappling with the issue of cell phone use in the classroom. Many have come up with new rules for the school year. District 214 has implemented its cell phone ban for 2023 and said it has worked well; students accept that they can get by without their phones for a few hours a day.

“Our teachers report that students are adjusting well. They are more focused in class and recognize that classes have been a major distraction for them,” said Scott Rowe, superintendent of District 214.

In Evanston, some students have broken the rules by carrying fake or disposable cell phones in their pockets. When they are discovered, it usually leads to a conversation with the teacher or dean.