Governor Phil Murphy today signed bipartisan legislation requiring all New Jersey school districts to adopt policies restricting the use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices in K-12 schools, marking a major step toward implementing phone-free classrooms statewide.

Murphy signed the bill during a visit to Ramsey High School in Bergen County. The Governor first announced his push for phone-free schools during his 2025 State of the State address and later highlighted the proposal during a visit to Woodbury Junior-Senior High School in Gloucester County.

“With today’s bill signing, we are ensuring New Jersey schools are a place for learning and engagement, not distracting screens,” Murphy said. “Teachers report that students are more focused, less anxious, and socializing with one another — not through a screen, but in classrooms and hallways.”

The legislation directs the Commissioner of Education to publish statewide guidelines restricting student use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices during the school day, on school buses, and at school-sanctioned events. Local boards of education will be required to adopt policies aligned with those guidelines, including prohibiting non-academic use of personal devices on school grounds, with limited exceptions.

The Department of Education is currently reviewing its existing guidance and is expected to release updated statewide guidelines in mid-January following consultation with stakeholders. The guidelines will address secure device storage, staff training, and equitable enforcement. District policies will take effect for the 2026–2027 school year.

Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill praised the measure, citing concerns about student mental health. “When children put the screens down, their mental health and academic results improve,” Sherrill said. “I look forward to implementing this important legislation.”

Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said research shows unrestricted phone use negatively affects student well-being and academic achievement. “This legislation provides the framework to ensure every classroom is a place for learning and free of distractions,” Dehmer said.

The bill was also applauded by national author and NYU professor Jonathan Haidt, who called the move part of a broader effort to restore focus and social interaction in schools.

Senator Paul Moriarty and Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, the prime sponsors of the legislation, said the law responds directly to concerns raised by educators and parents about the impact of cell phones and social media in classrooms.

The signing builds on recent state initiatives aimed at reducing digital distractions in schools. In December 2025, the Department of Education announced that 86 districts received grants through the Phone-Free Schools Grant Program, funded with $3 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, to support bell-to-bell phone restrictions.

Supporters say limiting phone use has been shown to improve test scores and reduce mental health risks associated with excessive social media use. With the new law, New Jersey joins a growing number of states moving toward stricter limits on student device use during the school day.

Jooish News

Jooish News