Governor Phil Murphy is advocating for a statewide ban on cellphone use in classrooms, citing concerns over academic distractions and the mental health of students. The proposal, unveiled during his State of the State address on Jan. 14, would affect all K-12 schools in New Jersey.
“Today, our children are inundated with screens,” Murphy said. “They are fueling a rise in cyberbullying. And they are making it incredibly difficult for our kids, not only to learn, but to retain the substance of what they learn.”
Why Ban Cellphones in the Classroom?
The push comes amid growing evidence of the negative effects of excessive screen time and social media on youth. The U.S. Surgeon General recently linked such behaviors to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Murphy emphasized that the initiative aligns with efforts in other states, including California, Indiana, and Florida, where similar restrictions have been implemented. The New Jersey State Senate recently advanced legislation to formalize such policies, voting unanimously to approve a bill that would prohibit non-academic cellphone use during instructional periods. The bill includes exemptions for students with special education needs.
The Cherry Hill School District in South Jersey is among the schools already enforcing a ban. Under its policy, students must keep their phones in lockers or backpacks during class. Ramsey High School has gone further, requiring students to lock devices in pouches throughout the school day.
Support for restrictions is widespread. A recent Pew Research Center poll found 68% of U.S. adults favor banning cellphone use in middle and high school classrooms, while teachers overwhelmingly back such measures, citing phones as a major distraction.
Despite broad approval, some parents have voiced concerns. Critics argue that bans could prevent communication during emergencies. Murphy addressed these fears, stating that policies would account for safety while prioritizing education.
Entering his final year in office, Murphy said he is committed to addressing the mental health crisis among young people. “We cannot stand by and watch as our kids suffer,” he said.
The proposed policies would allow school districts to tailor implementation to different age groups and circumstances, ensuring flexibility while promoting focused learning environments.
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