Photo: Getty Images
Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey has proposed a $3 million grant to assist school districts in implementing cellphone bans in classrooms. On Wednesday (February 19), Murphy announced the initiative during a visit to Woodbury Junior-Senior High School in Gloucester County, which has successfully enforced a cellphone ban since the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
The grant, part of the fiscal year 2026 budget proposal, aims to help schools adopt similar policies across the state. At Woodbury, students lock their phones in Yondr pouches at the beginning of the school day and retrieve them after the final bell. The initiative has reportedly improved students' focus and academic performance, with many students expressing positive feedback about the ban.
Murphy emphasized that while the pouch system works for Woodbury, other schools might adopt different methods. According to WPVI, students at Woodbury have reported feeling more attentive and mentally free without their phones.
Despite the positive reception, some parents have expressed concerns about not being able to reach their children during emergencies. However, the school has procedures in place to ensure communication with parents, including a database for emergency notifications.
The proposal is expected to face some challenges, as not all districts may find the same approach suitable. Murphy acknowledged that the policy might not work for everyone, but he is committed to supporting schools in exploring various options. The governor first learned about Woodbury's policy through a story in the Philadelphia Inquirer.