In a time when digital devices are deeply woven into everyday life, schools across the country are grappling with how to manage student cell phone use. At Warren Hills Regional School District in Warren County, New Jersey, we faced a growing need to address the impact of unrestricted cell phone access on student engagement and classroom culture. After careful review of data, policy, and stakeholder input, we implemented a targeted initiative: eliminating cell phone use during instructional time.

The Need for Change

Our district includes grades 7–12, drawing approximately 1,500 students from five municipalities. Like many schools, we observed an increasing number of classroom disruptions, decreased student interaction, and concerns related to inappropriate use of cell phones on campus.

End-of-year meetings with students and staff confirmed a lack of consistency in cell phone enforcement across classrooms. Compounding this concern, our Student Code of Conduct data showed that 27% of all behavioral referrals were related to cell phone misuse. We also saw a direct correlation between these referrals and class cutting, along with reports of students using phones to take unauthorized pictures during school hours.

Our middle school had gone cell phone-free two years earlier, and the positive outcomes provided a compelling case for expanding the model to the high school level. Additionally, we have a 1:1 Chromebook program in place, with hotspot loaners for students who lack internet access at home, further reducing the necessity of personal devices during class.

Objectives and Goals

Our primary goals were clear:

• Increase student engagement during instruction
  
  
• Strengthen student-to-student and student-to-teacher social interactions
  
  
• Reduce classroom distractions
  
  
• Create a consistent, schoolwide cell phone policy that supports teachers
  
  

We were also guided by broader national trends. As of September 2024, fifteen states had adopted some form of limitation on student cell phone use in schools, underscoring a growing consensus on the issue.

Implementation Timeline

In summer 2024, we presented our data and supporting research to the Education and Policy Committee. This led to a soft rollout at the beginning of the school year, followed by a formal policy presentation to the Board of Education in fall. After some revisions, the policy was fully implemented in October 2024.

Key Considerations

One of our biggest challenges was building buy-in among students, staff, and the broader community. Many stakeholders were concerned that we were implementing a full-day ban. We clarified that the policy applied only to instructional time, not lunch or hallway passing periods. Other key considerations included:

• Emergency communication protocols
  
  
• Family contact during the school day
  
  
• Equity and fairness in enforcement
  
  
• Instructional exceptions for specific courses (e.g., Social Media Marketing, Computer Science)
  
  

Policy Details and Exceptions

Under the new policy, students are not permitted to use cell phones during instructional time unless granted an exception through an application process involving department supervisors, the technology coordinator, and building administration. Approved exceptions currently include courses that use mobile technology as part of the curriculum.

Students may use their phones during lunch or when granted permission through the Wireless Communication Device (WCD) application.

To lead by example, staff were asked not to use their own phones in front of students unless necessary. In cases of emergencies, students are permitted to use the landline phones in the main office or guidance office with adult permission.

Referral and Enforcement Process

We developed a clear referral process for staff:

• In the classroom, students are given the option to place their phone on the teacher’s desk or report to the main office. The first infraction results in a lunch detention, with escalating consequences for repeated violations.
  
  
• More than three infractions can lead to a loss of cell phone privileges during the school day.
  
  
• In hallways during instructional time, staff are instructed to submit a referral and direct the student to the main office. Descriptions and times are noted if a student refuses to comply.
  
  

In cases of refusal or noncompliance, security is called, and the behavior is treated as insubordination.

Staff and Community Feedback

A voluntary survey conducted in September 2024 showed that 81% of the 85 participating teachers supported the policy and observed improved classroom focus and participation. Teacher feedback has played a critical role in refining the enforcement process and supporting one another in consistent implementation.

Looking Ahead

The implementation of this policy at Warren Hills has already led to improvements in student engagement and a more focused instructional environment. We continue to gather feedback and evaluate outcomes, adjusting procedures as necessary to meet both academic goals and the evolving needs of our school community.

By establishing clear expectations, maintaining transparency, and supporting staff with consistent enforcement tools, we have taken meaningful steps toward restoring classroom focus and enhancing student learning.

For more information about this initiative, contact:

Earl C. Clymer III, Superintendent – clymere@warrenhills.org

Christopher Kavcak, Principal – kavcakc@warrenhills.org

Timothy Jaw, Technology Coordinator – jawt@warrenhills.org