How are students adjusting 60 days into New Jersey’s bell-to-bell cellphone ban?
Students and teachers at Wayne Hills High School say the policy is helping improve focus and face-to-face interaction, but some students miss having access to their phones during lunch and study hall.
More Stories
It’s been 60 days since New Jersey’s bell-to-bell cellphone law took effect, requiring students to put away their phones and other internet-connected devices throughout the school day.
At Wayne Hills High School, teachers say the policy is helping students stay focused, participate in lessons and interact more with their classmates.
Special education English teacher Brittany Silvestri says students are working harder during class, collaborating with one another and feeling less tempted to check their phones because they know they are not allowed to use them.
But for students, adjusting to the new rules hasn’t always been easy.
Junior Emily Mandler says she sees the benefits of keeping phones away during academic time, but wishes students could use them during lunch and study hall when they are not actively learning.
Each New Jersey school district has its own approach to enforcing the law. At Wayne Hills, the school follows an “off and away” policy, meaning phones must remain put away throughout the entire school day.
Principal Mike Rewick says consequences for violations can range from Saturday detention to in-school suspension, and parents may be required to pick up a student’s phone.
There are some exceptions, including for students with medical needs and those approved to use their phones for school activities. At Wayne Hills, members of the student social media team can receive permission to film content without disrupting classroom instruction.
Senior Hannah Rothery says the restrictions can make creating videos more difficult, but she believes the policy has helped students become more engaged and communicate with one another.
As schools continue adjusting to the new law, teachers and students at Wayne Hills say the goal is to limit distractions while creating more opportunities for students to connect face-to-face.
