Policy Will Become Effective Beginning in the 2026-2027 School Year

RAMSEY – Governor Phil Murphy today visited Ramsey High School in Bergen County to sign bipartisan legislation requiring all school districts in New Jersey to adopt policies restricting the use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices in K-12 schools. Governor Murphy first announced his intention to pursue phone-free schools in New Jersey during his 2025 State of the State address and highlighted the policy proposal during a visit to Woodbury Junior-Senior High School in Gloucester County last February.

“With today’s bill signing, we are ensuring New Jersey schools are a place for learning and engagement, not distracting screens that detract from academic performance. In schools across our state, from Ramsey to Woodbury, we have seen the positive impact of phone-free policies,” said Governor Murphy. “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. By getting rid of needless distractions, we are fundamentally changing our schools’ learning environments and encouraging our children to be more attentive and engaged during the school day. This is a sensible policy that will make a world of difference for our children.”

This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to publish guidelines on restricting students’ use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices during regular school hours, on a school bus, or during school-sanctioned events. Boards of education will be required to adopt policies that align with the statewide K–12 guidelines. Board policies must, among other provisions, prohibit the non-academic use of personal internet-enabled devices on school grounds during the school day, with limited exceptions.

Pursuant to this legislation, the Department of Education (DOE) is reviewing its previously published Guidance for Schools on Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices and anticipates publishing updated guidelines in mid-January in consultation with stakeholders. The DOE guidelines will serve as a roadmap for creating safer, more focused learning environments. They will outline best practices for secure storage, staff training, and equitable enforcement, ensuring that every student benefits from fewer distractions and better opportunities for engagement. District policies will become effective for the 2026–2027 school year. 

“I applaud the Governor for taking a big step to protect our kids by making schools a safe, phone-free place to learn. Our young people are facing a mental health crisis – but, we all know that when children put the screens down, their mental health and academic results improve,” said Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill. “I look forward to implementing this important legislation and continuing to make progress on kids’ online safety and holding Big Tech accountable for the content they push toward our kids.”  

“Recent research has made it clear that access to cell phones in schools impacts both student mental health and academic achievement,” said Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “Today’s legislation provides the framework to ensure every classroom is a place for learning and free of distractions. Our guidelines will be practical, developmentally appropriate, and equitable, helping districts create policies that protect student focus and well-being.”

“I’m thrilled to see New Jersey join dozens of other states going phone-free bell to bell. Restoring childhood begins with restoring focus to classrooms and fun to hallways and lunchrooms,” said Jonathan Haidt, Author, The Anxious Generation & Professor, NYU-Stern. “Governor Murphy’s leadership is making that a reality for thousands of kids in the Garden State.”

“The signing of this pivotal bill into law is momentous for the well-being and productivity of students across New Jersey,” said Senator Paul Moriarty, Senate prime sponsor of the legislation. “By developing a commonsense approach to help mitigate the hugely negative impacts of unrestricted cell phone and social media use in schools, educators will be well equipped to fight the crisis facing their students to guarantee a productive, distraction-free learning environment.”

“This bill will help ensure that students are fully engaged in learning while they are in the classroom,” said Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, Assembly prime sponsor of the legislation. “While internet-enabled devices such as smart phones and tablets can be useful tools, the rise of social media has unfortunately caused significant harm to our learning environments. Our legislation is a response to what parents, teachers, and principals have consistently told us—they need our support. A4882 will ensure that we are doing our part to help educators and our students succeed.”

This bill signing further demonstrates the Murphy Administration’s ongoing commitment to student mental health and well-being. In December 2025, the DOE took steps to lay the groundwork for districts to adopt bell-to-bell policies, announcing that 86 school districts were awarded grants under the Phone-Free Schools Grant Program. This program, funded with a $3 million appropriation in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, supports schools committed to implementing bell-to-bell cell phone bans in purchasing equipment like pouches or funding training or engagement sessions.

Research indicates that limiting phone use improves test scores, especially for struggling students, and reduces mental health risks related to excessive social media use. By reducing digital distractions and fostering healthier school climates, New Jersey is taking steps to ensure that every classroom is a place for learning, connection, and growth. 

Sponsors of the legislation (S3695/A4882) include Senators Paul Moriarty and Kristin Corrado, along with Assembly Members Rosy Bagolie, Cody Miller, and Carmen Theresa Morales.