Elizabeth Schools Go Cell Phone-Free Sept. 10

Elizabeth Public Schools is set to begin a cell phone free school day for middle and high school students on September 10, 2026. The district is asking families to start preparing students now.

Under the policy, personal cell phones and electronic devices will be checked in when students arrive at school and returned at dismissal. If a student needs to reach a parent or caregiver during the day, the school's Main Office phone is available.

The district acknowledges the shift away from personal devices throughout the school day is a significant adjustment. Students may feel anxious about being disconnected from their phones, and district officials say those feelings are normal. School staff, counselors, and administrators are available to support students through the change.

Families can help by talking with students at home, addressing concerns about being without a phone during school hours, and setting the expectation that devices will be safely checked in each morning.

The district is directing families to review the Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Devices Policy through the Back to School Parent Resources page at www.epsnj.org.

Union County Life covers Elizabeth schools and education policy. Find more Elizabeth news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: When does the cell phone-free school day begin?
A: Elizabeth Public Schools begins the cell phone-free school day on September 10, 2026, for middle and high school students.

Q: Which grades are affected?
A: The policy applies to middle school and high school students. Elementary grades were not mentioned in the policy.

Q: What happens to my phone when I get to school?
A: Personal cell phones and electronic devices are checked in when students arrive at school and returned at dismissal.

Q: How can my child contact me during the school day?
A: If a student needs to reach a parent or caregiver, the school's Main Office phone is available for use.

Q: Is my child required to participate?
A: Yes. The policy applies to all middle and high school students under the new cell phone-free school day.

Q: What if my student feels anxious about being without their phone?
A: District officials acknowledge that students may feel anxious about being disconnected from phones during the school day. This is a normal reaction, and school staff, counselors, and administrators are available to support students through the change.

Q: How can I help my child prepare?
A: Talk with your student at home, address concerns about being without a phone during school hours, and set the expectation that devices will be safely checked in each morning.

Q: Where can I find the full policy?
A: The Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Devices Policy is available through the Back to School Parent Resources page at www.epsnj.org.

Q: Are there other ways to reach students in an emergency?
A: Yes. Students can use the school's Main Office phone for emergencies or urgent matters.