{"id":25619,"date":"2025-08-29T02:26:32","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T06:26:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/?p=25619"},"modified":"2025-08-29T02:26:32","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T06:26:32","slug":"brick-school-board-introduces-ban-on-cell-phone-use-in-schools-on-buses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shorebeat.com\/brick\/2025\/08\/brick-school-board-introduces-ban-on-cell-phone-use-in-schools-on-buses\/","title":{"rendered":"Brick School Board Introduces Ban on Cell Phone Use In Schools, On Buses"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Brick<\/a>

Brick Township High School. (Photo: Shorebeat)<\/p><\/div>\n

Brick school officials this week introduced a policy on first reading that would largely ban the use of mobile phones in school and on school buses \u2013 a policy that was described as \u201cprogressive\u201d by one top officials, and in line with the trends of state policies.<\/p>\n

Under the policy, students \u201care prohibited from using an electronic communication device anywhere on school grounds during the school day,\u201d including before and after school programs, during any co-curricular activities; and on school buses. The policy also places prohibitions on recording activities in school in any location where there is an \u201cexpectation of privacy,\u201d such as a restroom, locker room, shower area, or any other area where any person is removing or changing clothes.<\/p>\n

Students are \u201cencouraged not to bring electronic communication devices to school,\u201d but may still choose to do so with restrictions. If a student chooses to bring a device to school, the policy calls for it to be turned off by the student and passcode protected to prevent any unauthorized use of the device. The electronic communication device \u201cshall remain in the student\u2019s backpack\/book bag or locker during the school day when its use is not authorized.\u201d<\/p>\n

The policy is being introduced over disruptions to the learning environment, the potential for cheating, as well as privacy concerns.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe spent a year examining what we should be doing where students are concerned,\u201d said Susan McNamara, Director of Planning, Research & Evaluation for the district. \u201cIt is a very progressive-type policy. We recognize that in some circumstances in certain areas, like an administrator at a high school level, may enable students to use devices for learning, but that will be on a very limited basis.\u201d<\/p>\n

The policy statement that accompanied the new regulations said that the school board \u201cbelieves students and\/or school staff members should not be subject to having a video or audio recording taken of any students or school staff members for any purpose without the consent of the student, the student\u2019s parent, and\/or the school staff member.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn addition to protecting the privacy rights of students and school staff members, the board recognizes such recordings can be disruptive to the educational program,\u201d the policy continued. \u201cIn addition, inappropriate recordings of educational material, student assessment instruments, and\/or student assessment reviews can be used to compromise the integrity of the district\u2019s educational program or lead to academic dishonesty in the event such recordings are stored and\/or transmitted to other students.\u201d<\/p>\n

McNamara said the policy was the culmination of a year of research, which included a review of state regulations on mobile devices in schools as well as literature including the book, \u201cThe Anxious Generation<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the most part, yes, we do not want to see phones out and being used on buses, in classrooms and in hallways,\u201d said McNamara. \u201cWe want students\u2019 full and undivided attention, and we want to get them back face-to-face with folks, learning how to communicate, developing relationships, and learning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Mobile<\/a>

Mobile phone. (Credit: Hanna Vaknin\/ Flickr)<\/p><\/div>\n

Though there was no pushback on the policy during a public comment period at the board meeting, some parents have raised concerns on social media with regard to students\u2019 access to communications during emergencies, or for the sake of coordinating with family members. McNamara said those issues were taken into account when the policy was being developed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat policy has all of that in there, but it also has the flexibility for each administrator, in their learning community, to use their guidance and their judgment in making sure students continue to be safe and that cell phones are only used when necessary,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Resident Vic Fanelli was the sole member of the public to comment after the policy was introduced: \u201cAll I can say is, \u2018it\u2019s about time,'\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The policy is subject to a second reading and second vote before being formally adopted. Adoption generally occurs at the following month\u2019s board meeting.<\/p>\n

The policy and regulations can be read below:<\/strong><\/p>\n