Former New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 requiring public school districts throughout the state to restrict students’ usage of phones and other devices during school hours in the effort to reduce distractions in the classroom.
“Students are more focused, they’re less anxious, and they are socializing and laughing with each other, not through a screen, but in the hallways and classrooms,” said Murphy. “So with the legislation I’m signing today, we’re going to fundamentally improve the learning environment for every K-through-12 student by requiring every school district to follow the lead of campuses just like this one.”
Under this “bell-to-bell” ban, the state Commissioner of Education must issue a policy within 90 days addressing student’s phone use during school hours, on buses, and at certain school events where students are under supervision. After which, the statewide board of education will be required to adopt these guidelines. However, while this law establishes statewide standards, local school districts retain authority over how the restrictions are enforced.
“At this time, we are awaiting further specificity from the NJ DOE before implementing anything new. We should know more shortly,” said Micheal Volpe, Superintendent of Hillsborough Township Public Schools when asked to provide more information on how Hillsborough plans to implement upcoming changes.
The law requires state policy to include different standards unique to each grade level that still prohibit non-academic use of phones and social media during class time. The legislation also requires it to include accommodation for students with disabilities under Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 plans. It also requires phone use to be permitted in emergency situations like perceived threats or when phone access is necessary for the best interest of the student’s health.
“For all the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at this school this law completely changes the way that our high school career will look like,” sophomore Ali Sultan said. “Taking away our phones doesn’t decrease distractions in any way considering that phone jails already exist and the biggest source of classroom distractions right now are our chromebooks. A phone ban is more a risk for our safety than anything else.”
Additionally, the law must also address how the smartphones, smartwatches and other devices must be stored; some options being locked pouches or lockers. The state budget includes $3 million in grants to assist schools in deciding how devices will be kept.
Former Gov. Murphy, a Democrat, whose second term ended Jan. 20 made this plan limiting phone use his priority in his final year in office. This policy is scheduled to be put into effect at the start of the 2026-2027 school year in all K-12 schools.
Gov. Mikie Sherril, who took office this month, has also voiced support for limiting student phone use—and is expected to guide the implementation of the new requirements.
This new legislation makes New Jersey one of a growing number of states that adopt rules with this purpose.
