In his State of the State address, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy called for a statewide classroom ban on cell phones during classroom instruction Tuesday, January 14. School districts across the state have begun modeling plans to restrict the use of cell phones during class. Prior to the start of the 2024-2025 school year, HHS Principal Jeffrey DiLollo implemented a new system to reduce the usage of cell phones during class. The administration installed cell phone holders in every classroom and created a policy that required students to place their phones on silent and in the cell phone holder at the start of each class. Students are still able to use their phones during passing periods and during lunch time.
“Staff members have shared overwhelming support for the policy,” DiLollo said. “Even the staff members who originally said that it wasn’t a big distraction, those individuals have come back to say, whoa. It’s been a big difference.”
With other schools in the district implementing restrictions on students using cell phones during instructional periods, Superintendent of Hillsborough Schools, Mr. Michael Volpe, provided the overall feedback from parents, staff, and students around the district. Volpe said, “I’ve heard from teachers who have observed increased student engagement since the implementation of the new procedures. Of course, there are always some who prefer fewer restrictions, and their concerns are also taken into consideration.”
Students throughout HHS provided their opinion on Governor Murphy’s proposal. Sophomore Elsie Kirwan said, “I think the phone jail system used by our district is a great way to keep students off their phones during class time. However, as someone who is almost always doing something, my phone helps get me through the day. Sometimes in the hallways or at lunch, just checking up on my messages or scrolling through Instagram can help give me a chance to breathe.”
Sophomore Kathryn Marvin offered another perspective. “With so many things going on in this country, we need our phones for our safety in case something were to happen at the school or within our families.”
Mrs. Elizabeth Berliner, a math teacher at HHS said she has not seen more participation, but she has noticed less distractions with the new policy. “I would not support a full ban on cell phones,” Berliner said. “I think the cell phone holders are the perfect compromise. They can’t use them during class, but can access them in case of a true emergency.”
Volpe also offered the Board of Education’s position on Governor Murphy’s call for a ban. “Should Governor Murphy sign an official order mandating a statewide ban on cell phones during instructional periods with more specific guidelines, the Board of Education would, of course, review the mandate and adjust local policy accordingly.”
Volpe said the current policy is effective, but the board is always open to revisiting the issue and the policy. “I wouldn’t be averse to further restrictions if they are deemed necessary and beneficial for our students’ learning environment. We are committed to complying with state regulations and ensuring the best possible educational experience for all students,” said Volpe.
