Locked Away: Is New Jersey’s Cellphone Ban Really the Answer?

By: Talia Brookhim

Before Former Governor Phil Murphy finished his term, on January 8th, his administration signed a bell-to-bell cell phone ban, set to take effect in New Jersey public schools during the 2026-27 school year for grades K–12. The focus of this law is to reduce phone distractions during students’ learning, allowing them to be more focused and engaged, while

also improving face-to-face social interactions and students’ mental health.

Under this law, the use of tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches for non-academic purposes, such as social media or internet use, is prohibited from the first bell to the last. However, school districts have some control over how the ban is applied. The New Jersey Department of Education published the law as guidance, allowing districts to create policies that fit their specific school needs as long as they comply with state orders. How phones are stored during the school day and what consequences look like will differ in each community. Students may still use devices if there is an approved reason, such as an IEP or 504 plan accommodation, a health plan for monitoring medical conditions, translation support, or an emergency.

At Millburn High School, students use numbered phone pouches, placing their phones in the pouches at the start of class and retrieving them at the end. This system is meant to reduce distractions and help students focus during lessons. Other districts in New Jersey, such as Glassboro and North Brunswick, and states such as New York, Texas, and Virginia have used a similar system called Yondr pouches. A Yondr pouch is a small fabric case that locks a phone inside, and students cannot open it until the end of the day using a special unlocking device. This allows students to carry their phones but prevents their use during class.

Even though phone pouches can help reduce distractions, they haven’t always been completely effective. Some students find ways around the system, and enforcement can be challenging for schools. Parents and students have also pushed back, citing inconvenience and concerns about safety, such as the ability to contact family in an emergency. These challenges show that while locking phones away can help minimize distractions, it is not a perfect solution and requires community support.

Although the tools in place aren’t flawless, New Jersey communities have the opportunity to make the cellphone ban work by leveraging the flexibility afforded to their school districts. By creating rules that fit their students’ needs, involving parents and staff, and balancing focus with safety, schools can make the ban as effective as possible and help students stay engaged, safe, and supported throughout the day.