New Jersey Takes Step Towards Digital Detox in Classrooms, Bans Cellphones Amid Growing Concerns Over Distractions and Mental Health.
In a move to promote student engagement, reduce distractions, and improve mental health, New Jersey has become the latest state to ban cellphones in classrooms. The bill was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy earlier this week, requiring public school districts to bar students from using mobile devices during school hours.
The initiative is part of Governor Murphy's final year in office, which focused on improving the learning environment for K-12 students. According to the governor, studies have shown that cellphone bans can lead to increased teacher engagement, improved student-to-student interactions, and reduced classroom distractions.
In Ramsey High School, a school district that has already implemented a cellphone ban for over a year, nearly 80% of teachers reported an increase in class engagement, while faculty observed more socializing among students. The state's education commission will develop guidelines to restrict the use of cellphones during regular school hours, on buses, or at certain events.
The law allows principals and administrators to make reasonable accommodations for students who need to use their phones for educational purposes, such as in cases where they require translation services or have received documentation from a healthcare professional indicating the necessity of phone access. Students will still be able to use their phones in case of an emergency.
New Jersey joins 16 states that have already approved "bell-to-bell" cellphone bans in classrooms. Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, who takes office on January 20, commended Murphy for signing the bill and expressed her commitment to limiting phones in schools. She believes that reducing screen time can improve mental health and academic results.
With the new law taking effect by the start of the 2026-27 school year, New Jersey is set to become a leader in promoting digital detox and improving the learning environment for its students.
In a move to promote student engagement, reduce distractions, and improve mental health, New Jersey has become the latest state to ban cellphones in classrooms. The bill was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy earlier this week, requiring public school districts to bar students from using mobile devices during school hours.
The initiative is part of Governor Murphy's final year in office, which focused on improving the learning environment for K-12 students. According to the governor, studies have shown that cellphone bans can lead to increased teacher engagement, improved student-to-student interactions, and reduced classroom distractions.
In Ramsey High School, a school district that has already implemented a cellphone ban for over a year, nearly 80% of teachers reported an increase in class engagement, while faculty observed more socializing among students. The state's education commission will develop guidelines to restrict the use of cellphones during regular school hours, on buses, or at certain events.
The law allows principals and administrators to make reasonable accommodations for students who need to use their phones for educational purposes, such as in cases where they require translation services or have received documentation from a healthcare professional indicating the necessity of phone access. Students will still be able to use their phones in case of an emergency.
New Jersey joins 16 states that have already approved "bell-to-bell" cellphone bans in classrooms. Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, who takes office on January 20, commended Murphy for signing the bill and expressed her commitment to limiting phones in schools. She believes that reducing screen time can improve mental health and academic results.
With the new law taking effect by the start of the 2026-27 school year, New Jersey is set to become a leader in promoting digital detox and improving the learning environment for its students.
. It's amazing how much of a difference this can make for kids, isn't it? Reducing distractions and encouraging face-to-face interactions can really help with mental health and academic performance 
. I can imagine how overwhelming it must be to have all those notifications and social media temptations in the classroom... but by taking away the phones, they'll actually get more focused on learning and each other 
. I'm also loving that there's some flexibility built into the law for students who really need their phone for educational reasons 
. Fingers crossed it sets a great precedent for other states to follow 
!
. I mean, think about it - no more constant notifications, texts, or social media updates interrupting lessons. It's all about focus on learning, right? And studies show that cellphone bans can have a positive impact on teacher engagement and student interactions 
. Plus, reducing screen time can't be bad for mental health 
. It's awesome to see New Jersey taking the lead on this one 
. Maybe other states will follow suit too? Wouldn't that be great? 
. It's no secret that phones can be major distractions in class, but by removing them, teachers can actually engage with their students more and have better conversations with them 
. I've seen friends' kids make huge progress after ditching their phones during school hours, and it's amazing to see! The fact that it's part of Governor Murphy's final year in office is a great move 
. Like, I get where they're coming from - distractions and all that jazz - but don't we live in the 21st century now? Can't we just teach kids how to put their phones away on their own instead of banning 'em entirely? 
It's like, aren't we trying to prepare them for the real world where they're gonna need those skills?
.
.
- no distractions allowed in class, right? 
!
. Of course, there'll be some exceptions for students who need their phones for schoolwork or medical reasons 
.
. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? Kids are gonna have to actually talk to each other face-to-face and stuff? 
and engagement levels. I've seen it work out well in other places where they have similar rules, like the 80% increase in class engagement at Ramsey High School 
.