Bill > A4882

This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to develop comprehensive guidelines for cell phone and social media use by students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The guidelines must address age-appropriate restrictions on device usage during school hours, classroom instruction, school buses, and school-sanctioned events, with specific provisions including: prohibiting non-academic cell phone use during classroom instruction, allowing emergency device use, addressing different types of devices like smartphones and smart watches, providing options for device storage (such as locked pouches), establishing network-based social media restrictions, and creating communication protocols for students, families, and staff. The Commissioner must consult with education stakeholders like teacher unions and school administrator associations to ensure the guidelines are responsive to community needs. Each school district will be required to adopt a policy consistent with these guidelines, though districts can choose to implement more stringent rules. The bill also ensures accommodations for students with special education plans, health plans, or educational needs, and allows principals to make reasonable accommodations for educational device use. The guidelines aim to promote student learning and well-being while managing digital distractions, and will take effect in the first full school year following enactment.

Education

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