Illinois legislators have taken a step forward with Senate Bill 2427, which bans student cellphone use during the school day. This bill excludes students in independent schools and it only mandates a bell-to-bell ban — from arrival to dismissal — for elementary and middle schoolers, giving high schools the freedom to set more lenient policies. These critical loopholes leave thousands of students unprotected.
Illinois — one of only a few states having not enacted phone-free-school legislation — lags behind much of the country on this issue, according to the Phone-Free Schools State Report Card.
Excluding independent private schools sends an alarming message to families who expect equal protection under the law. And, allowing high school students to have phones during lunch and breaks does nothing to improve mental health and safety. When they’re only required to put phones away during class, the online world simply waits for them in the hallways. For a student targeted by classmates, unstructured times are often when aggressive cyberbullying occurs.
My commitment to advocating for meaningful online child safety legislation stems from unimaginable loss. I lost my son Nate — forever 15 — to suicide after he endured vicious cyberbullying by certain basketball teammates and classmates at the Latin School of Chicago, through a basketball group chat, Snapchat posts and a Snapchat message cruelly directing Nate to kill himself.
Nate reported the chat and posts but appropriate measures were not taken to protect him. The school failed to notify us of Nate’s cyberbullying report, as required by law.
I am advocating for federal and state online safety reform and fighting to hold schools accountable when they fail to protect students. That’s why I’m deeply concerned about the shortcomings of SB2427.
The experience of some Illinois communities offers proof that phone bans work. Antioch Upper Grade School now requires students to lock their phones each morning using Yondr pouches and unlock them as they leave.
The results have been transformative, with a dramatic decrease in discipline referrals and behavioral incidents, according to Antioch Elementary District 34 Superintendent Aron Borowiak. When digital noise is removed, students choose to look at one another, talk and engage.
If Illinois politicians are serious about protecting children from online harm, this law must apply to all Illinois students, bell to bell. Anything less betrays parents and signals that equal protection is optional.
Rose Bronstein, co-founder, Buckets Over Bullying and Tech-Safe Learning Coalition
Speech fit for a king
Much like the British Monarch depicted in the 2010 movie, “The King’s Speech,” King Charles III delivered a brilliant speech before Congress last week. Throughout his address, which was full of humor and a sharp and nuanced understanding of history, Charles demonstrated what a literate leader sounds like — someone with a keen awareness of the symbolism of rhetorical acts and an appreciation of the necessity of finding common ground and reaffirming shared values.
Charles’ speech came across as considered rather than performed. Musician Michael Jochum put it well: “There was a quiet gravity to his presence, a kind of composure that didn’t demand attention so much as earn it. His words were measured, deliberate, and carried with them the weight of history without ever feeling heavy-handed.”
What was especially noteworthy is that Charles — uncharacteristic of speeches made by the head of the British royal family — was able to be political in an eloquent manner. His repudiations of and disagreements with President Donald Trump were clear, forceful and obvious and communicated in a diplomatic manner. We heard the voice of reason and statesmanship: a stark contrast to Trump’s routine out-of-control discourse.
I agree with Jochum: “There was something undeniably compelling about witnessing a speaker who understands not only the power of language, but the responsibility that comes with it.”
As a teacher of speech for more than 40 years, this is my recommendation: If we are to lower the temperature of our public dialogue, reduce hate and eliminate calls for violence in our hyper-polarized world, Charles’ speech should serve as a model.
Richard Cherwitz, professor emeritus, University of Texas at Austin
No chance Vance
Was it just me, or did anyone else notice JD Vance not applauding when King Charles III mentioned supporting Ukraine and preserving the environment? Ouch! Talk about telegraphing his true feelings.
This is a man who believes he may actually be Donald Trump’s successor. He has no chance. Christians cherish prophecy, so here’s a guaranteed one: Vance will definitely not be the next president, and neither his God nor his Savior will be able to make that happen. Anyone who even remotely follows politics knows it’s true. Bye-bye No. 2 and good riddance.
Wes Dickson, Orland Park
Double standards
I don’t remember Sun-Times reader Barb Marion of Orlando Park writing in and asking President Donald Trump to apologize every time he says hateful things about Democrats, the pope or many others. This is exactly what’s wrong right now with our country. One person can say whatever he wants with no repercussions but the other guy — in this case, Jimmy Kimmel — has to apologize for what he said.
Richard Orrico, Melrose Park
Marvelous Murakami
Move over Shohei Ohtani. There’s a new kid in town.
Munetaka Murakami has the hearts of Sox fans aflutter as he smashes home runs and rookie records with equal abandon. With only a one-year contract, here’s hoping the latest South Side phenom takes a liking to Chicago red hots and deep dish.
So, how do you say, “it’s on the house!” in Japanese?
Bob Ory, Elgin