Governor Phil Murphy visited Ramsey High School in Bergen County today to sign bipartisan legislation (S3695) requiring all New Jersey school districts to adopt policies restricting the use of cell phones and internet-enabled devices in K-12 schools. The move standardizes “bell-to-bell” restrictions across the state, fulfilling a proposal first announced during the Governor’s 2025 State of the State address.
The new law aims to transform the learning environment by removing digital distractions and addressing the youth mental health crisis. Under the legislation, district policies must be finalized and effective for the 2026–2027 school year.
“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,” 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.”
New State Guidelines and District Requirements
The law requires the Commissioner of Education to publish comprehensive guidelines for the use of personal devices during school hours, on buses, and at school-sanctioned events.
Key provisions of the legislation include:
• Prohibition of Non-Academic Use: Personal devices are barred during instruction time, with specific exceptions for emergencies and student health needs.
• Storage and Training: The Department of Education (DOE) will provide roadmaps for secure storage (such as magnetic pouches or lockers), staff training, and equitable enforcement.
• State Support: The Fiscal Year 2026 Budget includes $3 million in grants to help districts purchase storage equipment and fund training sessions.
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill also expressed her support for the measure, noting, “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.”
Implementation Timeline
The New Jersey DOE is currently reviewing previously published guidance and expects to release updated, stakeholder-informed guidelines in mid-January 2026. Local boards of education will then have until the start of the 2026-2027 academic year to implement policies that align with these state standards.
