New Jersey is the latest state to ban cellphones during the school day in grades K-12
The new law specifically requires the prohibition of non-academic uses of internet-connected devices — including phones — during the school day.
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New Jersey students will no longer be able to access their cellphones at all during the school day, starting next school year.
At the governor’s bill-signing at Ramsey High School on Thursday, the only ones with their phones out were the adults in the room. Ramsey students have been locking theirs away in pouches for a year, and so will the rest of the state starting next school year.
“This law will require every public school in New Jersey to implement a bell-to-bell ban on cell phones,” said Gov. Phil Murphy (D).
The law passed after a recommendation from a state committee on the effects of social media on teens. Students say it was a difficult transition at first, but they have noticed a change.
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“In class, focus improved,” said Ramsey High School student Massimo Randazzo. “There was no buzzing in pockets, no quick checks on your desks, no waiting for the bell just to see who had texted.”
The bill had bipartisan support. Several other states have similar bans, including New York. Murphy compared the potential impact to banning smoking on airplanes and requiring seatbelts in cars.
“Removing smart devices from schools isn't punitive,” said Holly Moscatiello, the founder of “The Balance Project.” “It is a developmentally appropriate protection that restores learning focus and connection.”
At Ramsey High, the method of choice is called the Yondr pouch. At the start of the day, the phone goes in, the pouch snaps shut, and the students hang on to the pouch all day.
Normally, they get unlocked at the end of the school day at dismissal with magnets. But during an emergency, a teacher can bring the magnets around, and a student could get their phone right back.
“I haven't seen phones out,” said Ramsey High School student Reese Connell. “People aren't getting caught with their phones as much anymore. I think we've all adapted very well.”
The state has previously announced $3 million in grant funding to get districts up to speed with pouches and training.
