CELL PHONES/ ELECTRONIC DEVICES

In January 2026, Governor Murphy signed New Jersey’s “bell to bell” cell phone law, requiring every public school district in the state to adopt a policy restricting student use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day.  This legislation reflects growing evidence that constant access to phones interferes with student focus, participation, and social connection.  The law takes effect statewide beginning with the 2026-2027 school year and the Clifton Middle Schools will be fully implementing it starting Wednesday, September 2, 2026.  

What this means for students:

Beginning on the first day of school, all students will be required to power down/ silence their phones at the start of the school day, and store them in their bookbags or student assigned lockers.  Cell phones should not be stored in their pants pockets.   Any student who does not follow this procedure will face disciplinary consequences outlined in our Discipline Matrix.

Parents, if you need to communicate with your child, please contact the main office of their respective school.  

Use of personal student electronics i.e. cell phones, blue tooth speakers, air pods, electronic watches for social use (apple watch messaging) etc. is strictly prohibited.