NJ A4882

Commissioner of Education must develop guidelines within 90 days for student use of internet-enabled devices (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches) during school hours, on school buses, and at school-sanctioned events for grades K-12

Non-academic use of internet-enabled devices is prohibited on school grounds during the school day, with guidelines requiring age-appropriate and grade-level differentiated restrictions

Exceptions allow device use for IEP/504 accommodations, health monitoring, emergencies, translation services, student caregivers responsible for family members, and when authorized by principals for specific educational purposes

Boards of education must adopt policies consistent with state guidelines, which may include storage options like locked pouches or device lockers, and network-based restrictions blocking social media platforms

School districts may adopt policies more stringent than the state guidelines, and principals may make reasonable accommodations for educational device use