CHERRY HILL, NJ – A new policy goes into effect this school year that prohibits Cherry Hill students from using cell phones during class.

Starting the school year, students in the Cherry Hill School District must keep their phones out of sight during class. Students are allowed to use their phones during lunch, on the school bus, and during extracurricular activities if the activity director allows it.

The policy, adopted by the school board in June, followed months of discussions among parents, students, staff and other members of the school community, says Superintendent Dr. Kwame Morton.

“We went through several variations ranging from the most restrictive to the moderately restrictive,” Morton said at the June 25 board meeting. “Eighty-five percent of the thousands of people surveyed agreed that something needed to be done to curb unfiltered cell phone use and its negative impact on students in the classroom.”

According to local authorities, the measure was inspired by research into the negative impact of these devices on students’ learning ability and mental health.

During class, students must put their phones and wireless communication devices on silent and keep them in a safe place, such as their locker or a closed backpack. Smartwatches may be worn if they are used only for timekeeping.

Certain exceptions apply. Students may use phones during class for purposes specified in an Individual Education Plan or 504 Plan. They may also be used to monitor or treat a health condition if the student first obtains permission from a school nurse.

The measure does not specify penalties, but states that disciplinary action will be governed by the district’s student conduct rules.

The policy will come into force at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.