The bill, known as A4882 or Senate Bill 3695, was approved by the State Senate and the General Assembly earlier this week. It requires the Department of Education to establish policies for student use of internet-enabled devices, including cellphones and social media, during regular school hours, on school buses and at sanctioned events. Once guidelines are issued, each district’s board of education must adopt a policy consistent with the framework.
Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, a sponsor of the bill, said lawmakers acted with growing concern about how smartphone notifications and social media disrupt instruction and students’ focus. Bagolie, who also serves as a school administrator, argued the rules are necessary to support learning and reduce anxiety linked to constant connectivity.
Under the proposed policy, non-academic use of devices such as phones, tablets and smartwatches would be prohibited during classroom instruction. However, the legislation includes exceptions for emergencies, instructional uses, and accommodations for students covered by individual health or education plans. Guidelines also would address secure storage options like phone lockers or locked pouches and outline communication requirements for families and educators.
Several New Jersey school districts have already moved independently to limit cellphone use. Newark Public Schools, for example, received state grants to implement a “bell-to-bell” policy requiring devices to remain stored throughout the instructional day, a move aimed at minimizing distractions and increasing engagement.
The Legislature’s action reflects broader concerns among educators and policymakers about the impact of devices on academic performance and classroom management. If signed by Murphy, the law would take effect beginning with the next full school year, giving districts time to adopt policies and secure necessary equipment.
Governor Murphy has previously backed efforts to restrict phones in classrooms and provided funding to districts that voluntarily adopted bans early, a sign of continued support for statewide implementation.
