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

The legislation aims to address concerns that students are being sidetracked by digital distractions such as text messaging, social media, and mobile games. The measure received bipartisan support in the New Jersey Legislature after Murphy advocated for phone-free schools in his State of the State address nearly a year prior. "I say this as a dad of four, more so than a governor," Murphy stated before signing the bill. "I wish this ban had been in place a long time ago."

Globally, concerns about the impact of smartphones on student focus and well-being have led to varied approaches. France implemented a nationwide ban on cellphones in primary and middle schools in 2018. In the United Kingdom, individual schools have the autonomy to set their own policies, with many choosing to restrict phone use during school hours. Similar debates and pilot programs are underway in countries like Australia and Canada, reflecting a global grappling with the integration of technology in education.

The New Jersey law places the onus on local school boards to determine the specific rules and enforcement mechanisms. This decentralized approach mirrors the educational governance structure common in the United States, where states and local districts retain significant control over education policy. The implementation of the ban will be closely watched by educators and policymakers both domestically and internationally, as they seek to understand the impact on student engagement and academic performance. The law's effectiveness will likely be measured by changes in student test scores, classroom participation, and reported levels of distraction.