RAMSEY, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy signed bipartisan legislation Wednesday requiring all New Jersey K–12 schools to adopt policies restricting student use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices during the school day, a move officials say will boost focus, mental health, and classroom engagement statewide.
The signing took place at Ramsey High School in Bergen County, one of several districts already operating under phone-free policies. The new law directs the state Commissioner of Education to issue formal guidelines for restricting cell phone use during class hours, on buses, and at school-sponsored events. Districts must align with those standards and implement their own policies by the 2026–2027 school year.
“With today’s bill signing, we are ensuring New Jersey schools are a place for learning and engagement, not distracting screens that detract from academic performance,” Murphy said. “By getting rid of needless distractions, we are fundamentally changing our schools’ learning environments and encouraging our children to be more attentive and engaged during the school day.”
The legislation requires school boards to prohibit non-academic use of phones and tablets, while allowing limited exceptions for health, safety, or instructional purposes. The Department of Education is updating its prior guidance and will publish new statewide recommendations in mid-January after consulting with educators and parents.
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill praised the policy as a step toward improving student mental health. “When children put the screens down, their mental health and academic results improve,” she said. Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer added that the framework “ensures every classroom is a place for learning and free of distractions.”
The bill (S3695/A4882) was sponsored by Senators Paul Moriarty and Kristin Corrado and Assembly Members Rosy Bagolie, Cody Miller, and Carmen Morales. Lawmakers from both parties said the measure reflects growing concerns about the effects of social media and screen dependency on students’ focus and emotional well-being.
The Murphy administration previously launched the Phone-Free Schools Grant Program in December 2025, awarding $3 million to 86 districts to help purchase secure pouches and fund staff training. Research cited by state officials shows that reducing cell phone access improves test performance and lowers anxiety and depression linked to social media use.
Education leaders from Ramsey and Woodbury school districts said they have already seen measurable improvements since implementing phone-free policies, including higher engagement, better behavior, and more face-to-face interaction among students.
The new law cements New Jersey’s status as one of the first states to adopt a statewide “bell-to-bell” phone restriction policy across all public schools.
New Jersey will require all K–12 schools to adopt phone-free policies starting in the 2026–2027 school year to reduce distractions and improve student focus.
