On Oct. 1, 2025, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) announced the launch of the Phone-Free Schools Grant Program. The initiative provides funding to support districts in adopting and implementing bell-to-bell cell phone policies, which require students’ internet-enabled devices to be securely stored upon arrival at school and returned at dismissal.

Funding and Allowable Uses

Initial eligible award amounts are based on student enrollment in grades 6-12 in eligible districts, with a minimum allocation of $500. Initial award amounts are subject to increase if all eligible districts do not elect to participate in the program. Participating districts may use funds for:

  • Storage solutions to collect and secure student devices during the school day (e.g., locked pouch systems, lockers/bins, check-in cabinets, and related equipment/software); and
  • Training for staff on the adopted cell phone policy and storage procedures to ensure consistent, equitable implementation across schools.

Program Requirements

By accepting this award, participating districts commit to enacting a bell-to-bell policy for all students in grades 6-12. Adoption of less stringent approaches, such as “off and away” or “limited use” policies, do not qualify for this program. The program period extends from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Reimbursement is available for allowable costs incurred within this timeframe, provided districts meet program requirements.

More information on how to apply for the grant can be found in NJDOE’s Oct. 1 memo.

Contact Information

For questions, please contact NJDOE at PhoneFreeSchools@doe.nj.gov.

NJSBA Advocacy on Cell Phones in Schools

The New Jersey School Boards Association has been closely following A-4882/S-3695, which has been passed by the Senate and approved by the Assembly Education Committee this legislative session. As amended, the bill would require cell phone and social media guidelines to be developed by NJDOE, and a policy to be adopted by each school district. The NJSBA has testified in support of the amended bill, cautioning against a prescriptive one-size-fits-all approach to creating a mandated statewide policy to be adopted by all boards of education, and recommending that the commissioner create guidelines or a model policy that boards may refer to when forming their own individual district policies. The current version of A-4882/S-3695 would preserve local control and flexibility, and empower boards to craft their policies according to community preferences while providing a roadmap to help inform and guide district policy-setting.