No Social Media Bullying Reported Since Phone-Free Pilot Began At Ridge High School

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Ridge High School's "Off and Away" phone-free pilot continues to see positive results since launching in March, prompting the district to continue it into the 2025-26 school year.

"Students are expected to keep their phones out of sight from bell to bell, and the results have been clear: improved focus, fewer distractions and discipline issues, and a school environment where meaningful connection and engagement are thriving," said Ridge High School Principal Russell Lazovick to Patch.

School Board member Janice Corrado, who sits on the Wellness Committee, reported at the Monday Board of Education meeting that teachers, staff, and students have responded favorably to the pilot.

"Dr. Lazovick noted that there were no HIB[Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying] incidents involving social media since the phone-free pilot began," said Corrado.

Lazovick noted that the pilot focused on "Teach, no Take."

"Without purchasing expensive pouches or lockers, we focused on teaching students when and how not to use their phones, rather than relying on pouches or bans to lock devices away. While many schools are just beginning to explore phone removal, Ridge has already built a sustainable, behavior-based approach," said Lazovick.

As a result, Lazovick recommended that the pilot continue through the rest of the school year and into the 2025-26 school year, according to Corrado.

"Looking to next year, we’re committed to maintaining this progress with constant vigilance. We want to ensure habits stick and each new class of students learns the same expectations," said Lazovick.

Lazovick added that going phone-free is just the beginning.

"Breaking the phone habit was the first step; building better habits to take their place is next. Our next step is turning attention into intention. Through the 'Hello Project,' we are helping students develop critical interpersonal skills, fostering student-to-student and student-to-teacher connections that strengthen school culture and boost academic performance. We’re replacing doomscrolling with curiosity, helping students rediscover the value of focus, presence, and purpose," said Lazovick. "While other schools are working to go phone-free, Ridge is working on what to do with the focus we’ve reclaimed."

The Pilot program is part of the Bernards Township School District Administration's "Restoring Focus Initiative." To learn more about the district's "Restoring Focus Initiative," click here.

"It is district work and we are committed to all of our schools. This includes our championing 'Wait Through Eighth,' a parent-led movement to delay smartphone use until after eighth grade, supporting healthier habits and stronger peer norms across the district," said Lazovick.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.