Despite mixed feelings about a new state law banning cell phone use in schools during the school day, Lawrence High School students generally agree that the “bell-to-bell” ban is effective.
That was the message delivered to the Lawrence Township Public Schools Board of Education by a member of the high school’s peer leadership group at its Sept. 12 meeting.
“I think the (new) phone ban in school is way more effective than last year,” LHS senior Tanvi Madisetti said.
The law applies to grades K-12.
Madisetti compared the new state law to a school district policy adopted in August 2024 that disallowed the use of personal devices during class, but not during noninstructional time, such as lunch or while transitioning between classes. The school district policy had been in effect for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.
The school district policy applied to cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, wireless earbuds or headphones, and any other personal internet-connected device during the school day. There were a handful of exceptions, such as when a student needed a device for translation or because of a documented health condition.
While students have accepted the state law that took effect for the 2026-27 school year, they have mixed feelings about the cell phone ban because personal devices are a big part of their lives, Madisetti said.
“A lot of students feel like they don’t have the chance to communicate with the outside world and see things how we used to do. (But) they said it is effective as they are focused on school,” she said.
Students are taking the restrictions more seriously now that they are part of state law, compared with last year, when they were part of a school district policy. When it was a school policy, no one was too afraid of breaking the rule because it was just a school offense, she said.
“But now that it is a law and now it is illegal, I think it’s great. A lot of people also think that it is very effective,” Madisetti said.
School board President Michele Bowes acknowledged the difficulty students face when they are forced to put their cell phones away during the school day.
“I know kids who have been so connected to their phone for most of their life all day long, every day and that’s hard. I would just like them to know that we recognize it is difficult,” Bowes said.
“I’m not going to lie. It is difficult for me to put my cell phone away. I am going to challenge everybody in this room tonight and going forward to start to turn off your phone more often. My phone is off right now,” she said.
When the school district adopted its own “Away for the Day” policy in 2024, Superintendent of Schools Robyn Klim said the initiative was designed to minimize distractions and ensure that the focus remained on instruction during class time.
Research has shown that unrestricted access to digital devices and social media during school hours can affect academic performance, Klim said. It also contributes to higher stress and anxiety among teenagers.
“By limiting device usage during instructional periods, we aim to foster a more engaging and supportive educational atmosphere. Students can fully concentrate on academics and prioritize mental health,” Klim said.
