New Jersey became the latest state in the United States to restrict student cellphone use in public schools, joining a growing global movement to address classroom distractions. Governor Philip D. Murphy signed the legislation into law on Thursday at Ramsey High School, mandating that local education boards establish rules prohibiting cellphones and other internet-enabled devices during the school day, effective for the 2026-27 academic year.

The law aims to minimize distractions from text messages, social media, and games, reflecting concerns shared by educators and policymakers worldwide about the impact of digital devices on student learning and well-being. Similar measures have been implemented or are under consideration in countries across Europe, Asia, and Australia, where authorities are grappling with the challenges of balancing technology's benefits with its potential to disrupt the educational environment.

Governor Murphy, a Democrat, emphasized his personal support for the ban, stating, "I say this as a dad of four, more so than a governor, I wish this ban had been in place a long time ago." The bill received bipartisan support in the New Jersey Legislature, signaling a broad consensus on the need to address cellphone-related distractions in schools.

The move in New Jersey aligns with a broader trend of re-evaluating technology's role in education. In France, for example, cellphones have been banned in primary and secondary schools since 2018. Other nations, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, have seen individual schools or districts adopt similar policies, often citing concerns about cyberbullying, decreased attention spans, and the erosion of traditional classroom dynamics. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has also highlighted the need for careful consideration of technology's integration into education, emphasizing the importance of ensuring equitable access and promoting responsible digital citizenship.

While proponents of cellphone bans argue that they create a more focused learning environment, critics raise concerns about potential limitations on students' access to information and communication tools. Some also argue that schools should instead focus on teaching students responsible technology use and digital literacy skills. The specific rules and implementation strategies will now be determined by local education boards throughout New Jersey, as they prepare for the law to take effect in the coming years.