Newark Schools Prepare To Enforce New Law On Student Phones

NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey school districts across the state will be rolling out new rules for students who have cellphones this year, including Newark.

Earlier this year, New Jersey passed a state law that requires all K-12 districts to adopt policies restricting students' use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices, such as smart watches, tablets and laptops.

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In Newark, the local board of education is allowing students to carry cellphones as long as they are stored in special, lockable pouches and stay completely off (not on silent or vibrate). The school board has approved the purchase of Yondr pouches to store phones during class using state funds, Chalkbeat Newark reported.

All school boards in New Jersey are required to adopt policies that align with the statewide K–12 guidelines under the new law. Board policies must prohibit the "non-academic use" of phones and other devices on school grounds during the school day.

There are exceptions for "educational purposes," translation purposes and as accommodations for disabled students.

District policies must roll out for the 2026–2027 school year.

• Related: NJ School Phone Ban Signed Into Law
• Related: Essex County Lawmakers Cheer For Statewide School Phone Ban

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