Voorhees board adopts ban on student cell phones, smartwatches during school day

The Voorhees Township Board of Education on Sept. 15 unanimously approved a revised electronic communications policy that requires student cell phones, smartwatches and other smart devices to remain in backpacks or lockers during the school day.

The policy revision, identified in committee as policy and regulation 55 16, was recommended by the district policy committee after months of review and stakeholder feedback, the committee said. Committee members cited input from teachers and students, and a pilot “pouch” program at Voorhees Middle School (VMS), as supporting evidence for the change.

“The committee consensus is that this policy revision, which requires not only student cell phones, but also smartwatches and all other smart devices to remain in backpacks or lockers during the school day, is in line with recent guidance provided by the New Jersey Department of Education,” Branch Stewart, a board member who presented the policy committee report, said during the meeting.

Board members said the change is intended to reduce classroom distractions and improve engagement. Several members pointed to student and teacher feedback gathered during the pilot at VMS and said the district’s revision aligns with state guidance and emerging research on student device use.

The policy committee presented the recommended language at its Sept. 9 meeting and recommended full-board approval. The board voted on Sept. 15 to adopt the revision as part of a package of policy updates; the motion to approve the policy items passed unanimously.

The board did not specify enforcement mechanics in the public discussion; the committee report and discussion referenced keeping devices in backpacks or lockers during the school day. Board members said the revised policy reflects current district practice and stakeholder feedback and that additional implementation details will be coordinated with administrators and teachers.

The policy change will be posted with the other board materials on the district website. Board members who spoke during the meeting urged continued communication with families, and the administration said it would share implementation guidance and next steps with school leaders and staff.

The board’s vote concluded a months-long review process that included committee deliberations, teacher and student pilots, and public comments solicited by the administration and committee.