Nowadays, it is rare to see a teenager without a smart phone or tablet, taking selfies with friends and sharing moments online. However, these same devices have increasingly become barriers to education, distracting students from their learning.

Today, a bill that would help school boards develop policies for the use of internet-enabled devices in school received final legislative approval. Bill A4882 sponsors—Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, Assemblyman Cody Miller and Assemblywoman Carmen Morales—are all educators who have firsthand experience with the negative impact these devices can have in the classroom.

“The goal of this bill is to ensure that students are fully engaged in learning while they are in the classroom,” said Assemblywoman Bagolie (D-Essex, Passaic). “While internet-enabled devices such as smart phones and tablets can be useful tools, the rise of social media has unfortunately caused significant harm to our learning environments. Our bill is a response to what parents, teachers, and principals have consistently told us—they need our support. This legislation is intended to ensure that we are doing our part to help educators and our students succeed.”

Under bill A4882, the Commissioner of Education would develop age appropriate and grade differentiated guidelines to help local boards of education develop their own policies governing public school students’ use of internet-enabled devices, including smart phones, during the school day. The policies would provide some flexibility in certain cases where administrators determine the use of the device supports instruction, health or well-being.

“This legislation is designed to create a more focused learning environment and reduce distractions,” said Assemblyman Miller (D-Atlantic, Camden and Gloucester). “These policies are not about punishment, but about helping students build healthier habits and giving them the best possible chance to succeed in the classroom.”

“Children and teenagers depend on us, the adults, to make the decisions on their behalf, even when those decisions may not be popular,” said Assemblywoman Morales (D-Essex). “Educators have recognized the risks of unlimited access to internet-enabled devices, which can allow students to disengage at times when their focus and effort are most needed. By providing school boards with guidance on how to address this issue, we can better support students who truly deserve every opportunity to succeed.”