Dear Eatontown Public Schools Community Member:
As the new school year is about to begin, district and school administration will be implementing a new cell phone policy in response to the new legislation passed in January 2026, S-3695/A-4882. This new law requires all school districts in New Jersey to adopt policies restricting the use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices in K-12 schools.
The purpose of this new law is to ensure schools are focused on learning. Cell phones in schools can distract students from learning and decrease their level of engagement in instructional activities. The goal is for students to socialize with their peers and teachers as well as decrease the conflict that occurs when students make poor choices with their cell phones. Education is a process that requires engagement and socialization.
The guidelines provided in the new law prohibit non-academic use of cell phones, smart watches, and other student-owned, internet-enabled devices. These guidelines include:
Provide age-appropriate and grade-level differentiated rules concerning limiting and prohibiting student use of internet-enabled devices.
Prohibit non-academic use of an internet-enabled device on school grounds during the school day.
Be consistent with state and federal law including accommodations required for individualized education plans, 504 plans, and student health plans.
Address permitting students’ use of devices in the case of an emergency or in response to a perceived threat.
List the options available for the storage of internet-enabled devices.
Please review the Board of Education policy which was drafted and is in the process for approval through the guidance and support of Strauss-Esmay, a school district policy consulting firm, by clicking this link:
Policy and Regulation 5516 – Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices
Before the start of school, each school principal will be sending a letter to their school community explaining the basic procedures that will be implemented to prohibit the use of internet-enabled devices in school. Upon your review, you may find that the district has established a balanced approach to following the guidelines prescribed by the new law.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. In the end, our district wants all students to learn in an environment where distractions and conflict can be minimized.
If you have any questions, please contact your school principal.
Sincerely,
Scott T. McCue
Superintendent of Schools