Standing in the halls of Ramsey High School, Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday signed a landmark bipartisan bill requiring all New Jersey K-12 school districts to adopt policies restricting the use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices.
The policy, aimed at curbing the youth mental health crisis and restoring academic focus, will be fully implemented for the 2026-2027 school year.
The legislation (S3695/A4882) mandates that the Commissioner of Education publish formal guidelines by mid-January 2026. Local boards of education must then develop policies that prohibit non-academic device use during school hours, on school buses, and at school-sanctioned events, with limited exceptions for health and safety.
The “bell-to-bell” policy is designed to eliminate the constant pull of social media and notifications that educators say have “rewired” the modern classroom. By removing digital barriers, the state aims to foster “human connection” over “digital distraction.”
Expected benefits of phone-free environments:
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Academic performance: Research indicates significant improvements in test scores, particularly for struggling students.
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Reduced anxiety: Educators in pilot districts like Ramsey and Woodbury report lower student anxiety and decreased instances of cyberbullying.
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Social development: Schools report a “resurgence in student connection,” with increased face-to-face interaction during lunch and passing periods.
“Teachers report that students are more focused, less anxious, and they are socializing and laughing with each other — not through a screen — but in hallways and classrooms,” Murphy said. “This is a sensible policy that will make a world of difference for our children.”
To assist with the transition, the state has already allocated $3 million through the Phone-Free Schools Grant Program in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. These grants, recently awarded to 86 districts, help schools purchase storage equipment and fund staff training.
Grant funding uses:
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Storage solutions: Purchasing signal-shielding pouches (like Yondr) or secure classroom lockers.
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Engagement: Funding community sessions to educate parents and students on the policy’s benefits.
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Professional development: Training staff on equitable enforcement and “digital citizenship.”
The bill received overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle, as well as from the New Jersey Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents. Commission members, including students, school nurses, and psychologists, emphasized that constant device access has fueled a rise in depression and attention deficits.
“Our young people are facing a mental health crisis,” Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill said. “When children put the screens down, their mental health and academic results improve. I look forward to implementing this important legislation.”
