Hinsdale Schools Crack Down on Cellphone Use

Students in Hinsdale High School District 86 and Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 are learning to live without their phones in class. That’s because both districts have implemented restrictions on cellphone use during instructional periods.

Alex Mayster, District 86’s executive director of communication, says the new policy is all about creating a distraction-free learning environment. ‘It’s critical that our instructional environment be a place for students to learn, collaborate with peers, and think critically,’ he says.

How It Works

During class, students are expected to stash their phones in a designated holder or location, as directed by their teacher. But don’t worry, they won’t be phone-less all day. They can still use their devices in non-instructional areas like hallways, study halls, and during lunch.

Cara Hurley, a clinical psychologist and parent of two students, thinks this is a great idea. ‘Learning to put phones aside is an important skill,’ she says. ‘I’d love to see schools develop policies that help students manage their phone use.’

Exceptions and Accommodations

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. Students with documented needs, like a diabetes monitor or an Individualized Education Plan, will still be allowed to use their phones. And if a student breaks the rules, they might get a warning or have their phone confiscated.

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 has similar rules in place. Students in elementary school have to hand over their phones to their teacher, while middle schoolers have to keep theirs in their locker.

Why It Matters

So why are these schools cracking down on cellphone use? It’s simple: they want students to focus on learning, not scrolling through social media. As Cory Burke, principal of Hinsdale Middle School, puts it, ‘Our policy isn’t about restriction; it’s about creating the cognitive space necessary for students to trade constant connectivity for deep, meaningful engagement.’