Bill > A4855

Introduced Session

This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to develop a policy concerning student use of cell phones and social media and requires a board of education to adopt a policy concerning student use of cell phones and social media. Under the bill, the commissioner is to develop a policy applicable to students enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12 concerning student use of cell phones and social media platforms during regular school hours, on a school bus, or during school-sanctioned events when the student is under the direct supervision of a teaching staff member or employee of the board of education. The policy is to, at a minimum, (1) provide age appropriate and grade-level differentiated policies concerning limiting and prohibiting student use of cell phones and social media platforms; (2) be consistent with State and federal law including accommodations provided in a student's Individualized Education Program or educational plan; (3) permit student use of cell phones in the case of an emergency or in response to a perceived threat of danger; (4) permit student use of cell phones upon submission by a parent or guardian of documentation from a health care professional indicating that the use of a cell phone is necessary for the health or well-being of the student; (5) address smartphones, cell phones with only text or voice, and other relevant devices, including smart watches; (6) list options that may be utilized by a school district for cell phone storage, including locked pouches and cell phone lockers; (7) provide guidance for a school district to establish network-based restrictions to prevent the use of, or access to, social media platforms; and (8) detail protocols for communicating the district's policy concerning student use of cell phones and social media platforms to students, their families, and teaching staff members. The bill also requires each board of education to adopt a policy concerning student use of cell phones and social media platforms during regular school hours, on a school bus, or during school-sanctioned events when the student is under the direct supervision of a teaching staff member or employee of the board of education. The policy is to be consistent with the policy developed by the commissioner. Additionally, the bill permits the commissioner to grant an exemption to a board of education for the requirement to adopt the policy upon submission of an application by the board.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Rosaura Bagolie (D)*,  Alixon Collazos-Gill (D)*,  Aura Dunn (R),  Carmen Morales (D),  Shanique Speight (D), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 09/23/2024)

Official Document