Hillside district to ban student cell phones starting Nov. 1 under NJDOE guidance

The Hillside School District will implement a districtwide ban on student cell phones effective Nov. 1, Superintendent Glover said at a board meeting, citing guidance from the New Jersey Department of Education. "This isn't just a Hillside...the New Jersey Department of Education put forth this guidance that we are supposed to follow," Glover said, explaining the district will take a hybrid approach informed by student input. Glover said the policy is designed to reduce classroom distraction and address student well-being. He cited research in a presentation played for the board, saying teens who use social media more than three hours a day face higher risks of mental-health issues. The district plans a public rollout that will include videos, school tours, superintendent messages and meetings with parents. Glover said the district will prepare phone-based communication infrastructure so parents can reach schools rather than relying on students' phones. The superintendent said the district will not purchase phone-pouch devices for students, calling that approach "not sustainable" and noting an estimated pouch cost of about $30,000 and ongoing replacement costs. Board President Best echoed that the measure follows state guidance and said the board should expect questions and calls from parents as the policy is implemented. "I know that it may be tough to swallow in the beginning, but it's something that we have to do," Best said. No formal board vote to adopt the policy took place at the meeting. Glover said the district will publish guidance, conduct outreach and clarify consequences before the ban takes effect.