New Jersey school districts implement stricter cell phone restrictions under new state law

Trish Hartman, ABC 6

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.

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