New Jersey lawmakers approve bill to limit student use of internet-enabled devices in schools

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey lawmakers have given final approval to legislation aimed at curbing the use of internet-enabled devices such as smartphones and tablets in public school classrooms, sending the measure to the governor for consideration.

The bill, A4882, would require the state Department of Education to develop age-appropriate, grade-differentiated guidelines to help local school boards create their own policies governing student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day. The guidelines would allow flexibility when administrators determine device use supports instruction, health or student well-being.

Supporters of the legislation say the measure responds to growing concerns that constant access to smartphones and social media has become a major distraction for students and a barrier to learning.

“The goal of this bill is to ensure that students are fully engaged in learning while they are in the classroom,” said Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, a Democrat representing Essex and Passaic counties. “While internet-enabled devices such as smart phones and tablets can be useful tools, the rise of social media has unfortunately caused significant harm to our learning environments. Our bill is a response to what parents, teachers, and principals have consistently told us—they need our support. This legislation is intended to ensure that we are doing our part to help educators and our students succeed.”

Bagolie sponsored the bill alongside Assemblyman Cody Miller and Assemblywoman Carmen Morales, both Democrats and fellow educators, who cited firsthand experience with the impact of digital distractions in classrooms.

“This legislation is designed to create a more focused learning environment and reduce distractions,” said Miller, who represents Atlantic, Camden and Gloucester counties. “These policies are not about punishment, but about helping students build healthier habits and giving them the best possible chance to succeed in the classroom.”

Morales, who represents Essex County, said the bill reflects the responsibility of adults to set boundaries for students, even when those limits are unpopular.

“Children and teenagers depend on us, the adults, to make the decisions on their behalf, even when those decisions may not be popular,” Morales said. “Educators have recognized the risks of unlimited access to internet-enabled devices, which can allow students to disengage at times when their focus and effort are most needed. By providing school boards with guidance on how to address this issue, we can better support students who truly deserve every opportunity to succeed.”

The Assembly’s action coincided with Senate passage and concurrence on companion legislation, S-3695. In a statement following the votes, Sen. Paul Moriarty said the bill represents a bipartisan effort to address a growing crisis in schools.

“The passage of this significant piece of legislation is a momentous step for schools across the state, and paves the way for the bill to be signed into law,” Moriarty said. “I commend members of both the Senate and the Assembly for rising above partisan lines and working together to look after the well-being of New Jersey’s children and teens.”

Moriarty cited research linking unrestricted cellphone and social media use to learning disruptions and mental health concerns among students.

“It is well documented that unrestricted cellphone use in our schools disrupts learning and negatively affects the mental health of students,” he said. “Cellphone and social media usage have been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression, as well as sleep disruption, creating a crisis within schools that knows no bounds.”

“It is imperative for the DOE to help develop a common-sense approach to help mitigate these issues and allow our kids to focus on learning,” he added. “This legislation ensures that schools will be well equipped to fight this crisis through the implementation of clear, streamlined protocols that guarantee a productive, distraction-free learning environment for all students.”

The bill now heads to the governor’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.