Ban On Student Cell Phone Use Going Into Effect In Cherry Hill Schools

CHERRY HILL, NJ — A new policy banning Cherry Hill students from using cell phones during class will go into effect this school year.

When the school year begins, students in the Cherry Hill School District will be required to keep their phones out of sight during class. Students may use their phones during lunch and recess, on the school bus, and during extracurriculars if the activity supervisor allows it.

The policy, passed by the school board in June, followed months of discussions between parents, students, staff and other members of the school community, says Superintendent Dr. Kwame Morton.

"We went through different incarnations, which included the most restrictive possibilities to moderately restrictive possibilities," Morton said at the June 25 board meeting. "Eighty-five percent of the thousands that were surveyed agreed that something needed to be done to mitigate the unfiltered use of cell phones and their negative impacts on students in the classroom."

The policy was inspired by research on the devices' negative effects on student learning and mental health, according to local officials.

During class, students must put their phones and wireless-communication devices on silent and in a secure setting, such as inside their locker or a closed backpack. Smartwatches can be worn if they're only used for timekeeping.

Certain exceptions apply. Students can use phones during instructional periods for purposes outlined in an Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan. They can also be used to monitor or address a health condition if the student receives prior permission from a school nurse.

The measure doesn't specify penalties but says that discipline will be governed by the district's Student Code of Conduct.

The policy goes into effect at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.