On January 14, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy called for a statewide ban on cell phone use in public schools for students in grades K-12. In his State of the State address, Murphy justified his proposal by declaring that cell phones are fueling a rise in cyberbullying. However, while cyberbullying is a pressing issue, a blanket ban on phones in schools may do more harm than good. Instead, schools should focus on responsible phone usage policies that balance the need for digital tools with classroom engagement.

Phones are not always distractions — they often serve practical purposes that can enhance students’ safety, learning, and mental health. In today’s world, having access to a phone can be a lifesaver. Contacting a parent about an unexpected schedule change, calling for help in an emergency, or receiving alerts about school prompts students to rely on their phones to stay connected and informed. Completely cutting off this form of communication could have unintended negative effects.

Beyond emergencies, responsible phone use offers benefits for education at Princeton High School. During free periods, gym blocks, or even as part of classroom activities, phones can be a valuable tool for learning. With technology at their fingertips, students can quickly research information, use educational apps, and stay organized, all of which may contribute to improved academic performance. As many students at PHS already use their devices for this purpose, a state-wide one-size-fits-all ban unfairly punishes those who have been appropriately using technology for learning and productivity.

Additionally, some students rely on their phones for learning accommodations, like text-to-speech apps, calendar reminders, or translation tools for multilingual learners. A total ban would strip these students of the crucial tools they need to succeed, and in doing so, could create unintended consequences such as increased secrecy and tension between students and teachers. Instead of fostering trust, a harsh ban could create an environment of defiance, making classroom management even more difficult.

Instead of an outright ban, the state should encourage schools to develop responsible phone use policies that promote balance by allowing usage of devices for educational purposes. For Princeton High School, maintaining the current policy — allowance of phone use during lunch, passing, and free periods while restricting them during instructional time with phone pockets — could help along with the additional incorporation of brief, scheduled “tech breaks” during block days, permitting students to check their devices at designated times. Teachers should allow students to use their devices for accommodations and educational assistance upon request, but they should otherwise be kept out of sight during class.Setting clear guidelines for when and how phones can be used helps avoid confusion and frustration, and if students know they can use their phones at specific times, they may be less likely to use them during class for non-school purposes.

Furthermore, rather than discouraging the use of technology, the New Jersey government should focus their efforts on promoting digital literacy. PHS does not currently have a digital literacy graduation requirement, but such courses could help students understand the dangers of cyberbullying, how to manage screen time, and how to navigate online information critically. While Governor Murphy’s proposal aims to address real concerns, a strict ban on phones in all schools would hinder their current purposes of emergency communication and educational support. Instead of banning them outright, the state should encourage adoption of responsible use policies similar to that of PHS in addition to investing in digital literacy resources to address cyberbullying. After all, rather than sheltering students from technology, shouldn’t high school be preparing its students for a tech-driven future?