Bill > A4882

This bill requires the New Jersey Commissioner of Education to develop comprehensive guidelines for student use of internet-enabled devices (defined as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or other internet-connected devices) in public schools. The guidelines, to be issued within 90 days of the act's enactment, must provide age-appropriate restrictions on device usage during school hours, prohibit non-academic device use during classroom instruction, and include provisions for emergencies, student health needs, and specific authorized uses like translation services or caregiver responsibilities. Each school board must adopt a policy consistent with these guidelines, which can be more stringent if desired. The guidelines aim to balance student safety and learning by consulting with educational stakeholders and allowing reasonable accommodations for educational purposes. The policy will cover device usage during school hours, on school buses, and during school-sanctioned events, with specific protocols for device storage, social media platform access restrictions, and communication of the policy to students, families, and staff. The act will take effect immediately and apply to the first full school year following enactment.

Education

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4882