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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. February 2025: Gov. Murphy visits a phone-free classroom in Woodbury, NJ.
- 2. 2025 school year start: Washington County, Utah launches bell-to-bell phone ban at district level.
- 3. Late 2025: Utah Legislature approves a default classroom cellphone ban at district discretion.
- 4. 8th January 2026: Gov. Phil Murphy signs statewide bell-to-bell cellphone ban in Ramsey, NJ.
- 5. January 2026: Utah leaders introduce SB69 proposing statewide bell-to-bell restrictions ahead of the Jan. 20 session.
Sources
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