NJ commission suggests bell-to-bell cellphone bans for all school districts

Jersey City schools have already put in place a cellphone ban during the school day.

News 12 Staff

Sep 23, 2025, 4:25 PM

Updated yesterday

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The New Jersey Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents suggests that school districts should adopt and implement bell-to-bell cellphone bans.
The commission issued its report on Monday on how communities can address issues such as cyberbullying, addictive use, sleep disruption and mental health decline.
“This report is a roadmap for action. Social media has rewired childhood, and the stakes could not be higher,” commission co-chairs Pearl Gabel and Charles Gelinas wrote in a statement. “New Jersey has the opportunity to lead the nation and prove that when it comes to our children, safety and well-being come first.”
Some recommendations include:
  • School districts implementing a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones
  • Parents delaying children’s access to social media
The commission also suggests that social media companies should:
  • Restrict access for users under the age of 16
  • Provide tools for parents to better navigate social media use with their children
  • Develop and improve resources to protect users
The full report can be found on the New Jersey Department of Education’s website.