New Jersey's Cell Phone-Free Schools Initiative

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, all New Jersey public school districts are required to implement policies that restrict student use of personal internet-enabled devices, including cell phones, during the school day. This statewide legislation was enacted to reduce distractions, improve student engagement, support academic achievement, and promote the mental health and well-being of students. While the law establishes a "bell-to-bell" expectation, it also allows districts to develop local procedures that meet the needs of their schools while providing appropriate exceptions for educational, medical, and emergency purposes.