New Jersey Moves Toward Full-Day Cellphone Ban in Schools

New Jersey has made significant progress in reducing school-day smartphone use. Recent state legislation mandates tight cellphone prohibitions in K-12 public schools. The move aims to boost classroom concentration and address social media’s mental health and learning effects.

Bipartisan legislation passed the state Assembly 63-3 and Senate 37-0. Governor Phil Murphy, who supports the proposal, will likely sign the law before leaving office.

The measure compels the New Jersey Department of Education to develop rules for schools to handle internet-connected devices like smartphones and tablets. School boards must then create rules that follow these guidelines. The rules would ban cellphone use in school, except for instruction or student health and well-being.

Many NJ schools have smartphone policies, but enforcement varies. Some schools require students to switch off and hide phones, while others provide secure storage. The new law aims to harmonize district standards to decrease classroom disturbances.

Bill advocates say adolescent social media use is a problem. Studies reveal that spending more than three hours a day on social media can induce depression, anxiety, poor sleep, low self-esteem, cyberbullying, and other health issues. The new policy addresses these issues and fosters focused learning, say lawmakers.

Phone-Free Schools Grant Program was developed by Governor Murphy to help schools implement the new rules. 86 districts will receive over $980,000, with Newark Public Schools receiving the most. Lockers, secure check-in cabinets, and smartphone limitation training for school workers can be purchased with subsidies.

US trends are reflected in Bill S3695. Most of the almost two dozen state laws regulating or banning K-12 smartphone use were introduced in 2025. NJ wants to follow NY’s bell-to-bell cellphone ban from this year.

This law intends to keep pupils focused in class, not ban electronics. Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie says parents, teachers, and principals want more help monitoring student digital use in school.

New Jersey would join a growing number of states restricting personal electronics during school hours to boost student involvement and mental wellness. The Act commits to digital-free learning environments so students can study.

Sources:

• New Jersey State Legislature

• New Jersey Department of Education

• Official statements from Governor Phil Murphy