Toms River School Board Considers Full Cell Phone Ban During School Hours

The Toms River Regional Board of Education is weighing a policy to ban student cell phone use throughout their entire school day. Kids wouldn't be able to use phones from the moment they step onto a morning bus until they arrive back home. The measure was introduced at the October board meeting.

A second reading hasn't been scheduled yet. The board canceled its Nov. 25 meeting, according to district records.

This proposal arrives as school systems throughout New Jersey have been implementing cell phone bans after the state Department of Education applied pressure. Years of harassment and bullying problems among students sparked the movement.

Students who bring phones to school must keep them in backpacks or lockers, powered off, from bus boarding or arrival at before-school programs until they depart the bus or head home. The ban stretches to after-school sports and other activities. All devices must be secured with a passcode so other students can't access them.

Students needing to call parents during school hours have to ask a teacher for permission to visit the main office and use the school phone. Parents who need to reach their child in an emergency are required to call the main office.

Two groups would be exempt. Students whose individualized education plans authorize electronic communication devices can keep their phones. Students who monitor health conditions can also use devices, but the principal must approve this exception with the school nurse and document it in the student's individual health plan.

Violations result in confiscation for the rest of the day. A second offense brings detention, and the parent or guardian must retrieve the device from school. Third violations may lead to suspension, with parents again required to pick up the phone.

District officials haven't announced when the policy will return for a final vote.