Lawrence Schools Will Ban Cellphone, Smartwatch During Class

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Lawrence Township Public Schools has introduced a new cellphone and smartwatch policy for high school students in the 2024-25 school year.

High school students will not be permitted to use cell phones, earbuds and smartwatches during instructional time. All devices seen to provide a distraction will be “parked,” the school district said. There will be designated cell phone “parking lots” on entering the classroom.

Cell phones are to be turned off and in their bags from when they arrive at school until they are dismissed and leave the building.

Smartwatches may be worn, but may not be used as a cell phone to text or communicate.

The move is designed to minimize distractions and ensure that the focus remains on instruction during class time, district officials said.

"By limiting device usage during instructional periods, we aim to foster a more engaging and supportive educational atmosphere, where students can fully concentrate on academics and prioritize their mental health,” the school district said in a statement. “Students are permitted to use their devices during non-instructional time, such as transition times and lunch periods.”

At Lawrence Middle School, Lawrence Intermediate School and all four elementary schools in the district, the district will continue with the "Away for the Day" policy, where students are not allowed to use or have access to a phone (or use a smartwatch as a cell phone) throughout the school day.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com