After sitting through three, hour-long classes, students are ready for a much needed brain break, and lunch is the perfect time to recharge. With a quick glance at their phones, students can catch up on notifications, scroll through social media, or chat with friends. But the governor’s recent proposal could soon make that digital distraction a thing of the past.
On January 14, 2025, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy made an announcement during his State of the State, where he proposed a statewide ban on cellphones in schools, aiming to reduce distractions and encourage students to pay more attention to their education. For many, the idea of a phone-free lunch break sounds impossible, but the proposal is sparking debates over whether a break from screens could help students focus better in class or whether it would just leave them craving a connection to the digital world. Would a phone ban change how students spend their time during the school day, or would it only make them more eager to check their devices the moment the bell rings?
Governor Murphy expressed several concerns surrounding the usage of phones in school during his State of the State address. According to NBC Philadelphia, Governor Murphy pointed out that these devices “are fueling a rise in cyberbullying,” creating an unsafe environment for many young people.
In addition, he feels that mobile devices create constant interruptions that prevent students from fully engaging with the material being taught. Whether it’s checking social media, texting, or playing games, these distractions take students’ attention away from their teachers’ lessons, making it difficult for them to focus on the subject. As a result, students may miss key information or become disengaged altogether.
Moreover, the presence of phones can disrupt the flow of the classroom, as teachers struggle to maintain order and ensure that all students are participating. The temptation to multitask—switching between classroom activities and phone use—has been shown to impair students’ ability to process information, leading to poorer academic performance. The problem is compounded by the fact that, for many students, mobile phones are a constant presence, even outside of school hours, where late-night screen time can interfere with sleep, further affecting attention and focus during the school day.
Many students have expressed strong dissatisfaction with Murphy’s proposal to limit phone usage in school, arguing that their phones are an essential part of their daily lives. In a world where technology plays such a central role in their social and academic lives, the idea of going through a full school day without phones seems almost unthinkable to them. Students understand the ban of cellphones during lectures, but they feel outside of class, in the halls, during lunch, they should be able to pull their phones out of their backpacks. “I feel that schools should not ban cell phones because it’s a basic freedom,” Mia Izahkiy (’27) said. “As long as you’re using it responsibly it should not be a problem.”
ABC Action news stated, “supporters of phones in schools argue they should be allowed, for safety and communications reasons.” In case of emergencies, many believe it is necessary to have their phones on them throughout the school day. “I think in class it’s not helpful for us to have our phones, but I think it’s important for us to be able to connect with our parents during the day,” Chloe Grazutis (’27) said.
Teachers on the other hand, side with Murphy on his new proposal. “I agree with banning cellphones in school because I feel it distracts students when they should be focusing on learning,” Mr. Jeffery Angus, a science teacher at Tenafly High School, said. “Tenafly has an open campus so I know lunch can be an issue because many order lunch, so students should be able to access their phones during lunch, but not during class time.” Senora Karen Drake, a Spanish teacher, also feels that “phones in class are distracting and disruptive.” She believes “other schools should have phone caddies in each class, like we do here in Tenafly.”
While opinions on the statewide cellphone ban vary, most believe that cellphone use during class is a distraction and impacts students’ learning. With the significant role cellphones play in daily life, their presence in the classroom can hinder students’ ability to focus. This concern is a key reason behind the proposed ban. However, the ban also poses negative effects such as limiting students’ ability to use their phones for entertainment during lunch or free periods. Ultimately, the decision to enforce a ban must weigh the benefits of reducing distractions against the inconveniences it may cause students.
