Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS Bans Cell Phones Bell to Bell in 2026-27

Starting this fall, students at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School will need to keep their phones off and stowed from the opening bell at 8:08 a.m. through dismissal at 2:24 p.m. The policy, mandated by the New Jersey Department of Education, applies to cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, personal laptops, and any other internet-enabled device brought from home.

Principal Warren Hynes outlined the change in a letter to families. "The most important difference is that our previous phone barrier, in which students could not use phones at all during class time, is now a full-day ban in which phones are not allowed during all parts of the day," Hynes wrote. "Students cannot use phones in the classroom, during lunch, during passing time, or in bathrooms."

Devices must be stored inside backpacks. Students who want additional separation can drop their phone in a locked bin in the main office each morning and pick it up after dismissal, or request a traditional student locker for storage.

During the school day, students may use only district-issued iPads. Phones are permitted before the opening bell and after dismissal. Seniors enrolled in the school's open lunch program may use their phones while off campus during that period.

The discipline approach starts with a warning on a first offense—the phone is confiscated for the rest of the day and a notification goes home. A second offense adds an office detention. A third or fourth offense means a call home, Saturday detention, and a requirement to surrender the phone to the main office each morning for the remainder of that disciplinary period. Students who refuse to hand over a device or bring a second phone to circumvent the policy may face additional disciplinary action for insubordination.

Families who need to reach a student during school hours should contact the main office. Staff can relay messages or call students out of class. Students who need to contact family may use a telephone in the main office, and district-issued iPads include internet access for communication if needed.

Hynes noted the policy has broad backing. "At this point, nearly half of the country's states have bell-to-bell school phone bans, and it is an issue with bipartisan support," he said.

The school points to research indicating that both using phones and simply having them nearby can reduce students' ability to focus, and that excessive screen time and social media use are linked to negative educational, behavioral, and mental health outcomes.

To fill time previously spent on phones, the school plans to expand in-person interaction opportunities during lunch and free periods. Options this year include board games and Legos in the library media center, Uno cards in dining areas, recreational activities in the gym, use of the school's refurbished courtyard, lunchtime club meetings, and Raider Peer Tutoring.

Union County Life covers Scotch Plains education news, school policy changes, and community events. Find more Scotch Plains events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: When does the new cell phone ban take effect?
A: The policy takes effect for the 2026-27 school year, which begins this fall. Students must keep phones off and stowed from 8:08 a.m. until 2:24 p.m.

Q: What devices are covered by the ban?
A: The ban covers cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, personal laptops, and any other internet-enabled device brought from home. Only district-issued iPads may be used during the school day.

Q: Where can students store their phones?
A: Students can store phones in their backpacks. For additional security, they can drop phones in a locked bin in the main office each morning and pick them up after dismissal, or they can request a traditional student locker.

Q: What are the consequences if a student violates the policy?
A: First offense: warning, phone confiscated for the rest of the day, parent notification. Second offense: office detention. Third or fourth offense: call home, Saturday detention, and requirement to surrender the phone each morning for the rest of that disciplinary period. Refusing to hand over a device may result in insubordination charges.

Q: Can students use their phones before or after school?
A: Yes, phones are permitted before the opening bell at 8:08 a.m. and after dismissal at 2:24 p.m. Seniors in the open lunch program may use phones while off campus during lunch.

Q: How can families reach students in an emergency?
A: Families should call the main office, which can relay messages or call students out of class. Students can use the main office telephone or district-issued iPads (with internet access) to contact family.

Q: What activities are available to students during lunch and free periods without phones?
A: The school is expanding in-person activities including board games and Legos in the library media center, Uno cards in dining areas, recreational activities in the gym, use of the refurbished courtyard, lunchtime club meetings, and Raider Peer Tutoring.

Q: Why is the school implementing this policy?
A: Principal Hynes cited research showing that phones and simply having them nearby reduce students' focus, and that excessive screen time and social media use are linked to negative educational, behavioral, and mental health outcomes. The policy is mandated by the NJ Department of Education.

Q: Where can I find more Scotch Plains school news?
A: Union County Life covers Scotch Plains and Fanwood education news, school policies, and community events. Subscribe to the Scotch Plains newsletter or visit unioncountylife.com for updates.