Rahway Schools Set New Personal Device Policy for 2026–27

The Rahway Public School District has announced a new bell-to-bell personal electronic devices policy that will take effect for the 2026-2027 school year. Superintendent Dr. Aleya Shoieb announced the policy on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in response to New Jersey state legislation requiring all local school districts to adopt cell phone and personal device restrictions during the school day.

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

State Law Requirements

The policy implementation responds to Governor Phil Murphy's January 2026 signature on legislation (P.L. 2025, c.195) requiring each local New Jersey board of education to adopt bell-to-bell policies prohibiting students' non-academic use of cell phones and personal internet-enabled devices during the school day.

Following this state mandate, the New Jersey Department of Education released updated guidance establishing minimum requirements for all districts. The guidance states: "To promote academic engagement, limit distractions, and support the well-being of students, school districts are required to adopt a bell-to-bell policy to limit student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day. At a minimum, schools must prohibit the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the entirety of the school day for students in kindergarten through grade 12."

Rahway's Response

In support of these 2026 state requirements, Dr. Shoieb stated: "The new requirements in the Rahway Public Schools establish a bell-to-bell restriction on student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day."

Devices Covered by the Policy

The Rahway policy addresses a comprehensive range of personal electronic and internet-enabled devices, recognizing the diverse technology students may bring to school. Covered devices include, but are not limited to:

• Cell phones (including prepaid or secondary phones)

• Headphones, AirPods, earbuds, and other personal audio devices

• Personal tablets

• Smart glasses

• Personal laptops

• Smartwatches

• Other personally owned electronic or internet-enabled devices

The broad definition ensures that students cannot circumvent the policy by using alternative devices instead of traditional cell phones.

What "Bell-to-Bell" Means

"Bell-to-bell" refers to the school day period from the first bell (start of day) through the final bell (end of day). The policy restricts device use throughout the entire school day, including instructional periods, lunch time, study halls, and hallway transitions.

Policy Details and Exceptions

Dr. Shoieb's announcement letter addresses several related issues, including the meaning of bell-to-bell, exceptions to the policy, accountability and enforcement mechanisms, and procedures for storing student devices during the school day. Students and families are encouraged to review the full details of the policy.

Rationale for the Policy

State and local education officials emphasize that the policy aims to:

• Promote academic engagement and classroom focus

• Limit distractions and improve instruction

• Support the well-being and mental health of students

• Reduce opportunities for cheating, cyberbullying, or unsafe content access during school hours

Research on student device use and academic performance has contributed to the push for these policies at both state and local levels.

For Rahway Families and Students

Rahway families should familiarize themselves with the new policy before the 2026-2027 school year begins. The policy will apply to all students in kindergarten through grade 12 across the district.

Superintendent Shoieb's full August 11 discussion of the new policy, which includes additional details on policy exceptions, enforcement procedures, and device storage, is available for review. Families should consult this document for comprehensive understanding of how the policy affects their students.

Additional Resources

The New Jersey Department of Education has published additional information and resources on cell phone policies and student well-being on their website, available for families and educators seeking to understand the state's approach to student device management.

Rahway families with questions about the new policy should contact their child's school or the Rahway Public School District administration for clarification on specific procedures and exceptions.

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

FAQ

Q: What is a bell-to-bell device policy?
A: A policy that prohibits student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices from the first bell (start of school day) through the final bell (end of school day).

Q: Why is Rahway implementing this policy?
A: In response to state law P.L. 2025, c.195, which requires all New Jersey school districts to adopt bell-to-bell policies for student devices. The policy aims to promote academic engagement, reduce distractions, and support student well-being.

Q: What devices are covered?
A: Cell phones (including prepaid phones), headphones, earbuds, tablets, smart glasses, personal laptops, smartwatches, and other personally owned electronic or internet-enabled devices.

Q: When does the policy take effect?
A: The 2026-2027 school year (beginning late August/September 2026).

Q: Which grade levels are affected?
A: All students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Q: Are there exceptions to the policy?
A: Yes. The superintendent's policy letter addresses exceptions. Families should review the full policy document for specific details.

Q: How will devices be stored?
A: The superintendent's policy letter addresses device storage procedures. Families should review the full policy document for specific details.

Q: How will the policy be enforced?
A: The superintendent's policy letter addresses accountability and enforcement mechanisms. Families should review the full policy document for specific details.

Q: Can students use devices during lunch or study hall?
A: The bell-to-bell policy applies throughout the entire school day, including lunch and other non-instructional periods. Families should review the full policy document for specific procedures.