Kenilworth's Superintendent of Public Schools Update: Student Personal Devices

Kenilworth Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Davies announced a district-wide bell-to-bell policy governing student use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. The policy aligns with New Jersey state law P.L. 2025, c.195, which requires all public schools to limit student access to personal devices including cell phones, smartwatches, and headphones during instructional time.

Union County Life covers Kenilworth Public Schools policies, student life, and education news across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Policy Purpose and Goals

The district's personal device policy aims to support student learning, improve classroom focus, and increase opportunities for meaningful in-person interactions between students and their peers and school staff. The policy reflects research suggesting that reduced device use during the school day supports academic achievement and social development.

Superintendent Davies emphasized that the policy demonstrates the district's commitment to supporting students' academic success, social development, and overall well-being.

State Law Requirements

New Jersey state law P.L. 2025, c.195 mandates that public schools limit student use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. The law applies to all New Jersey public school districts and establishes specific restrictions on cell phones, smartwatches, and other connected devices while providing limited exceptions as permitted by state regulation.

The Kenilworth Public Schools policy implements the state mandate while tailoring implementation to each school's needs and student population.

Implementation by School Level

The policy's implementation varies across the district based on school level and current practices:

Harding Elementary School (Grades PreK-5): Already operates as a personal internet-enabled device-free learning environment. No changes to current practice are required.

David Brearley Middle School (Grades 6-8): Already operates as a personal internet-enabled device-free learning environment. No changes to current practice are required.

David Brearley High School (Grades 9-12): Will experience changes in device procedures and expectations. Beginning this school year, high school students must keep all personal internet-enabled devices—including cell phones and smartwatches—turned off and stored securely in backpacks throughout the school day. This requirement applies during instructional periods, lunch time, and hallway transitions.

The staggered implementation reflects the district's understanding that middle and high school students differ in their readiness for device management and independence.

Communication and Transition Support

Families will receive additional information from building principals outlining specific procedures, implementation timelines, and expectations for each school. These materials will help parents and students understand the policy and prepare for the transition.

Building principals will serve as primary contacts for families with questions about implementation, exceptions, or specific situations.

Rationale for Device Restrictions

Research on student learning and development supports device restrictions during the school day. Reduced device access during instructional time correlates with improved focus, increased participation, and stronger in-person social development. The policy also reduces distractions and supports equitable access to educational resources for all students.

For high school students, the transition to stored devices may initially require adjustment, but the district believes students will benefit from increased classroom engagement and improved academic focus.

Questions and Support

Families with questions about the bell-to-bell device policy should reach out to their student's building principal. Principals will provide detailed implementation information and answer questions about specific situations or accommodations.

The Kenilworth Public Schools district is committed to clear communication and successful implementation of the state-mandated policy.

Find more Kenilworth education news, school policies, and student information on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: Why is Kenilworth implementing a personal device policy?
A: The policy aligns with New Jersey state law P.L. 2025, c.195, and aims to support student learning, improve classroom focus, and increase meaningful in-person interactions.

Q: What devices are covered by the policy?
A: The policy covers cell phones, smartwatches, headphones, and all personal internet-enabled devices.

Q: Does the policy apply to all Kenilworth schools?
A: Yes, but implementation varies by school. Harding Elementary and David Brearley Middle already operate as device-free environments. David Brearley High School is implementing new device restrictions.

Q: What must high school students do with their phones?
A: High school students must keep phones and personal internet-enabled devices turned off and stored securely in backpacks during the entire school day, including instructional time, lunch, and transitions.

Q: Are there exceptions to the device policy?
A: Limited exceptions are permitted as allowed by state law. Families should contact their student's building principal about specific situations.

Q: When does the policy start?
A: The policy will be implemented starting this school year, beginning in late August/September 2026.

Q: How should families prepare?
A: Building principals will send detailed procedures and expectations. Families should review these materials and discuss the policy with their student.

Q: Who should I contact with questions about the policy?
A: Contact your student's building principal. They will provide detailed information and answer questions about specific situations.