Governor Murphy celebrates after signing legislation establishing a "bell-to-bell" ban on cell phones in schools K-12 across New Jersey. Jake Hirsch / Governor's Office
NJ’s New Cellphone Ban in Public Schools
SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
East Brunswick High School instituted a hard, state-wide policy against using cell phones from "bell to bell," making sure the "Phone Away, Own the Day!" policy was upheld within the district, banning students' access to their own internet-connected devices throughout all the time spent at school.
The new regulation comes as part of the New Jersey Department of Education mandated guidelines, which require all public school districts to limit the use of such devices outside academic purposes during the entire duration of the school day. According to the new policy, phones should be switched off and stored out of reach from the first morning bell until the last afternoon bell.
"It has made lunch and study periods a lot more sociable this year," said Mayar Alwan. "Rather than everyone sitting at the table looking down at their personal devices, we’re actually talking and catching up.”
EBHS Junior Deeya Bhatt added, “It did take a little while to get used to not having my phone in my pocket all the time, but I appreciate being away from my notifications during the day."
Contrary to former school policies, which allowed high school students to use mobile devices during their lunches, the new policy restricts access during passing periods, lunch periods, and study halls. The reasons for this decision include increased concentration in classrooms, reduced digital distractions, and improved well-being of the students. However, there are special exceptions for students who need to use mobile devices for their medical accommodations, IEPs, or special translation needs.
