New Jersey school districts implement stricter cell phone restrictions under new state law
PENNSAUKEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- A new state law is requiring all New Jersey school districts to adopt policies that eliminate personal cell phone use from the opening bell to the end of the school day, prompting changes in districts that already had restrictions in place.
In Pennsauken, teachers at Pennsauken High School were preparing classrooms ahead of the first day of school while adjusting to the updated requirements.
Educators say reducing phone use could help students focus more on classroom instruction.
"They were more worried about communicating with their friends or their boyfriend/girlfriend as opposed to focusing in class," said Rhonda Chilakos, a teacher at Pennsauken High School.
Pennsauken schools already used magnetic locking pouches for middle school, intermediate school and some high school students. This year, however, all high school students will be required to keep their phones locked in the pouches for the entire school day.
Superintendent Dr. James Bevere said he has seen the effects of increased phone use on student interaction.
"I've seen the eroding of social skills. I've seen the eroding of interacting with kids in the hallway," Bevere said.
The state law requires school districts to adopt policies restricting the use of phones or smartwatches for noneducational purposes during the school day.
RELATED: New Jersey is the latest state to ban cellphones during the school day in grades K-12
Under Pennsauken's previous policy, most high school students could keep phones in their backpacks and use them during lunch or between classes. Under the updated policy, phones will remain powered off and secured in pouches throughout the day.
Bevere said the changes may require an adjustment not only for students, but also for parents.
"A lot of parents are caught on this instant gratification. I want my kid to text me and say, they know to go to their grandmothers. They know to go to their aunts," he said.
The law allows districts to determine how they will enforce the restrictions, including requiring teachers to collect devices or having students store them in lockers.
Some students and parents have expressed concerns about the expanded limitations.
"I use my phone at lunch to study, but we can't even have it at lunch anymore," said Jacob Howe, a student at Moorestown High School.
His mother, Kristi Howe, said she supports limiting phone use in classrooms but questioned restricting access during lunch periods.
"I don't think they need to be in the classroom. I think they're on their computers all the time as it is," Howe said. "I don't understand why at lunch - if you're doing something with a friend - why can't you have it at lunch?"
The state guidelines allow exceptions for cell phone use under an instructor's supervision, as well as for medical purposes or translation needs.
In Pennsauken, Bevere said parents who need to reach their children during the school day can continue to do so by contacting the school office.
