Cell Phone Ban Updates In Basking Ridge Schools: See The Rules

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A revised policy restricting student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day, with different rules for elementary, middle and high school students, is moving forward in the Bernards Township School District.

On Monday, the Bernards Township Board of Education approved the first reading of two policies, one for students in grades K through five and another for grades six and up.

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The policies are required by state law for public school districts throughout the state after New Jersey lawmakers approved a statewide cell phone ban in schools in December 20255.

Bernards Township Schools started a phone-free pilot in March 2025. Now its policies are being updated to align with state law.

Under Policy and Regulation 5516, "The Board of Education prohibits student use of internet-enabled devices on school grounds during the school day in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:36-40b."

The proposal also says the district "shall ensure classroom instructional time is entirely free of internet-enabled devices" and that teachers "shall not incorporate students' personal technology into lesson plans."

District-issued technology and sponsored platforms would still be allowed for educational use.

For students in kindergarten through grade five, the regulation says they are "prohibited from using an internet-enabled device on school grounds from the moment they arrive on to school property through the end of the school day."

Those devices must be turned off and stored in a backpack, other bag, or locker or cubby.

The regulation also says those students are prohibited from using an internet-enabled device on a school bus to and from school, unless directed by the bus driver, school personnel or police or first responders.

For grades six through eight, students would be barred from using internet-enabled devices from the time they arrive on school grounds through the end of the school day, but would be permitted to use them on the school bus to and from school.

The regulation states that students in those grades may not use the devices "to record audio, video, or take pictures" on the bus, and that devices are expected to be stored in lockers during the school day.

Students in grades nine through 12 would be prohibited from using internet-enabled devices on school grounds during the school day, but would be permitted to use them on the bus, before school and after school.

During the school day, those devices would be stored in a backpack, locker, or other bag.

The policy includes exceptions for students who need internet-enabled devices for an individualized education program, a 504 Plan, a health plan, translation services, caregiving responsibilities, when required by law, or in an emergency.

Parents would submit written accommodation requests to the superintendent or designee, who must respond within five school days, according to the policy.

The proposal says information about the policy will be included in student handbooks.

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