States Expand Bans on Student Cellphone Use During School
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Trenton, New Jersey — Gov. Philip D. Murphy signed a law Thursday requiring K–12 school districts to ban nonacademic use of cellphones throughout the school day, effective 2026–2027; officials cited classroom focus and mental-health concerns. In Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox and lawmakers proposed statewide "bell-to-bell" restrictions ahead of the Jan. 20 legislative session, following last year's classroom-level limits and local district bans. School districts and teachers have begun adapting schedules and policies, with some students and educators reporting logistical challenges. Thirty-seven states and Washington, D.C., now limit school devices. Enforcement plans vary locally. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- February 2025: Gov. Murphy visits a phone-free classroom in Woodbury, NJ.
- 2025 school year start: Washington County, Utah launches bell-to-bell phone ban at district level.
- Late 2025: Utah Legislature approves a default classroom cellphone ban at district discretion.
- 8th January 2026: Gov. Phil Murphy signs statewide bell-to-bell cellphone ban in Ramsey, NJ.
- January 2026: Utah leaders introduce SB69 proposing statewide bell-to-bell restrictions ahead of the Jan. 20 session.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 1
- Neutral:
- 5
- Distribution:
- Left 17%, Center 83%, Right 0%
Public schools, educators aiming to reduce classroom distractions, and policymakers advocating for student focus benefited from clearer statewide device rules and uniform district policies.
Some students, families, and schools faced adjustment burdens managing access to schedules, communication needs, and new enforcement logistics under bell-to-bell bans.
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States Expand Bans on Student Cellphone Use During School
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