New Jersey's New School Cell Phone Ban: A Letter to Students (2026-27)

Understanding the power of the phone and the discipline to learn without it.

To the students:

The school year is about to begin, and I know some of you are dreading it. I get it. Back to homework, less free time, the anxiety of a new year, new teachers, the unknown, and of course, new rules, some of which you've already made clear you're against. Like the cell phones.

Starting this 2026-27 school year, New Jersey has a new law: every district in the state has to restrict cell phones and internet-enabled devices during the school day. So this isn't just your school being strict. It's statewide, and it's here.

Here's the truth: there will always be rules you don't like. And on the phone rule, I actually agree with the school. Reducing or removing phones during school hours is for your benefit, even if that's hard to see right now. The goal is to create an environment where you can learn at a high level, and that means removing distractions. The phone is the biggest one.

"You have to be the kind of student who understands the power of the phone, but also has the discipline to understand how to educate yourself without it."

Technology has taken us to incredible places. But our minds have taken technology to places unimaginable. That power is real, and so is the pull. I get it.

I've heard your pushback:

• What if I have an emergency and need to call home?

• What if there's a safety issue at school?

• What if I need to reach my friends, or they need to reach me?

• What if I miss something important?

Fair questions. And here's something worth knowing: the law itself requires schools to address how phones can be used in real emergencies. You're not being cut off with no plan. There are also exceptions for medical requirements and for lessons that call for a device, and teachers will handle those as they come.

But let me tell you something I learned as a parent. My daughter recently graduated. If she'd had an emergency at school and called me, there was very little I could actually do. I couldn't walk in and save her from danger. My trust had to be in the staff on-site. And that's the same trust I'm asking you to have. There are dozens of trained adults in that building every single day whose job is to keep you safe. You're in good hands. I trust them, and so should you.

I know the FOMO is real. Being without your phone when you're used to it can feel like too much. Even adults feel that. But look at the reward: you get to become better because of the effort. Your grades open doors, but your work ethic, your patience, your soft skills, your ability to adapt, those are what keep you in the room once you're there. That's what school doesn't always teach. And I don’t just say this; I live this. Every student I’ve worked with knows I don’t touch my phone during our time together. If I'm asking you to be present, I have to be present too.

But it's what I teach.

I'm a Cultural Architect. I focus on student growth, belonging, and helping people find themselves, culturally and personally. The one thing I stand on completely: no one is left outside. That's where my R.O.O.F. Framework lives, a vehicle to carry you to the place you belong.

"People underestimate the value of education until they've received the learning themselves."

We as educators know you need our help and support, and that's why so many of us show up every day. We show our empathy, even when it's hard to see where that empathy belongs. We need you to listen, and we need to listen too, so we can find the real issue before we act. The adults around you have been in your shoes before. A wise line I was once told: "We have been your age before. You have not been ours." So maybe let the experience count for something. You already know this.

Students, here's what I want you to walk in with this year. You belong there. You're not just a seat, not just a grade. Give it your effort, trust the people around you, and let this year make you better. I'm in your corner.

Every house needs a R.O.O.F. And no one is left outside.