More than a million American students are facing new restrictions on their mobile phone use as a fresh wave of legislation sweeps across the United States. New Jersey has officially become the latest state to implement a full-day ban on smartphones and similar devices in its public schools.
A Growing National Movement
Governor Phil Murphy signed the bill into law, framing it as a crucial step to minimise distractions and foster better learning environments. The policy prohibits pupils from using their devices during school hours, on school buses, and at school-sanctioned events. In a statement, Murphy emphasised the goal of creating spaces for "learning and engagement, not distracting screens that detract from academic performance."
With this move, New Jersey aligns itself with 26 other states that have enacted comparable full-day restrictions. This group includes Florida, which pioneered the approach in 2023, as well as New York, Texas, and Ohio. A further seven states, including Connecticut and Maryland, have issued guidance encouraging local districts to adopt their own policies, while six states currently have no statewide stance.
The Scale of the Issue and Health Concerns
The law will have a significant reach, impacting approximately 1.3 million students in New Jersey's public schools for the 2024-2025 academic year. This intervention comes amid growing concern over the amount of time young people spend on their devices. Recent studies suggest teenagers average between 5.5 and 8.5 hours daily on their smartphones, with roughly 1.5 of those hours occurring during school time.
Research underscores the potential health risks of early smartphone access. A December 2025 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics linked smartphone ownership by age 12 to a 30% higher risk of depression symptoms, a 40% increased likelihood of obesity, and a 60% greater chance of insufficient sleep compared to peers without phones. The study indicated that risks compounded for each year younger a child received a device.
Parental Anxiety and the Path Forward
While educators report benefits like increased focus and more in-person socialising among students where bans are in place, the policy has sparked anxiety among some parents. A primary concern is the loss of a direct communication line with their children during the school day, particularly in an era marked by fears over school safety and bullying.
One parent expressed a common sentiment online, noting that "between the threats of a school shooting and bullying, a parent's mind is always swirling with worst-case scenarios." They argued that a simple check-in text can provide significant reassurance for both parents and children.
The New Jersey law will take effect at the start of the new school year, though some districts already operate similar bans or require devices to be stored in lockers or special pouches. Governor Murphy concluded that this "sensible policy" is poised to "make a world of difference for our children" by fundamentally altering the learning environment.
