TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Both the state Senate and General Assembly voted to pass a new bill on Monday that bans cellphone use in schools from bell to bell.
Bill sponsor, state Sen. Paul Moriarty, said society has a phone addiction, and study after study has shown it’s particularly harmful for kids.
“Not just students, but adults walk around clutching their phone all day. In schools, it’s particularly a problem because we want students to learn, and we don’t want them texting each other, taking pictures, harassing each other, bullying each other. This has got to stop,” he said.
Moriarty said the state spends billions every year on education, and taxpayers should be getting their money’s worth with the best system possible. He expects some early initial rebellion from students and even some parents.
“In school, after school, where we see this being implemented, around the country and around the world, after a month or two, people are happy.”
Moriarty said Gov. Phil Murphy is likely to sign the bill into law in the coming weeks, as this has become a priority for his administration.
“This legislation, I believe, will lead to better education outcomes, greater social interaction, and less anxiety among our students in our schools,” Moriarty said.