Chiamaka Nwede is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science degree in Public Affairs and Community Development at Rutgers-Camden.
In today’s technology-driven world, the role of cell phones in education has become a subject of heated debate. While mobile devices offer numerous benefits, their unrestricted classroom use has been linked to academic decline, social disconnection, and rising mental health concerns. Recognizing these challenges, Governor Phil Murphy proposed a $3 million investment to support school cellphone bans in February 2025 following Senate approval. This proposal is part of his fiscal year 2026 budget plan, aiming to assist school districts in implementing policies that limit cellphone use during school hours. This initiative is necessary to improve student focus, enhance academic performance, and foster healthier learning environments.
Research consistently demonstrates that classroom cellphone use hinders student learning and lowers academic achievement. A study by the London School of Economics found that banning mobile phones in schools improved test scores by 6.4%, with the most substantial benefits seen among low-achieving students. As an educator, I found out that students in schools with strict cellphone policies demonstrated higher information retention, better classroom engagement, and fewer disciplinary issues. By implementing cellphone bans, New Jersey schools can create a more focused learning environment, ensuring that students actively participate in lessons rather than being preoccupied with social media or messaging apps. Governor Murphy’s $3 million funding would provide schools with the necessary resources to enforce these policies effectively through storage solutions, monitoring systems, or teacher training programs.
Beyond academics, excessive cellphone use contributes to social isolation and mental health concerns. According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General, excessive screen time among adolescents is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. The rise of cyberbullying, fueled by unrestricted social media access, has also worsened mental health outcomes among students. Governor Murphy’s policy acknowledges the urgent need to mitigate these risks by fostering healthier in-person interactions. As education expert Dr. Jean Twenge notes, “Students who spend more time on their phones report higher levels of loneliness and lower overall happiness.” A structured, cellphone-free environment can encourage students to engage in meaningful conversations, build interpersonal skills, and reduce dependency on digital validation.
Critics argue that banning cell phones could hinder emergency communication or limit technological learning opportunities. However, the policy does not seek to eliminate technology from education; instead, it aims to regulate its use to enhance, rather than disrupt, the learning experience. Schools can implement exceptions for emergencies while leveraging controlled technology used for educational purposes.
In conclusion, Governor Murphy’s $3 million proposal is a strategic investment in the future of New Jersey’s students. This initiative paves the way for a more disciplined, focused, and socially connected generation by prioritizing academic engagement and mental well-being. With strong evidence supporting the benefits of cellphone restrictions, this policy presents a critical opportunity to enhance education quality and student well-being across the state.
References:
Beland, L. P., & Murphy, R. (2015). Ill Communication: Technology, Distraction & Student Performance. Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics. Retrieved from https://cep.lse.ac.uk/pubs/download/dp1350.pdf
Edlund, L., & Machado, C. (2019, May 27). It’s the phone, stupid: Mobiles and murder. NBER. Https://www.nber.org/papers/w25883
DiFilippo, D. (2025). Governor Phil Murphy proposes $3 million to accelerate statewide phone-free schools effort. New Jersey Monitor. Retrieved from https://newjerseymonitor.com/2025/02/19/governor-proposes-3m-to-accelerate-statewide-phone-free-schools-effort
Luces, D. (2025, March 18). Mayor Adams Wants Cell Phone Ban in NYC schools by 2025. New York City, NY. Patch. Https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/mayor-adams-wants-cell-phone-ban-nyc-schools-2025
Twenge, J. M. (2017). iGen: Why today’s super-connected kids are growing up less rebellious, more tolerant, less happy—and completely unprepared for adulthood. New York, NY: Atria Books.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Social media and youth mental health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf