The Voorhees school district has adopted a ban on cell-phone use during the school day to improve academic engagement and reduce distractions.
The policy, approved by the board of education, requires students to store their phones in backpacks or lockers during school hours, with exceptions for emergencies and medical needs.
Jennifer Branch-Stewart, a member of the policy committee, explained the reasoning behind the ban.
“The recommendation was based on extensive discussions; data from last year’s pouch pilot at Voorhees Middle School; and feedback from staff, students and administrators,” she said. “While the pouch system (where students keep their phones in a pouch for the school day) reduced some disruptions, survey results revealed that student distraction levels remained relatively high.
“A district-wide ban provides clarity, consistency across schools, and prioritizes the learning environment.”
Branch-Stewart highlighted the anticipated benefits of the ban with regard to learning and classroom engagement.
“We expect the policy to foster more focused classrooms, reduce off-task behavior (including peer-to-peer bullying) and improve students’ socialization skills,” she noted. “Without the constant pull of notifications, students will have greater opportunity to participate actively, stay engaged in lessons and strengthen relationships with peers and teachers.’
The policy’s implementation comes after careful consideration of concerns from parents and students.
“We certainly acknowledge that there is a very valid concern from some parents and families about accessibility in emergencies,” Branch-Stewart noted. “Also, many students themselves wished for greater autonomy over device use.
“The committee and administration weighed these viewpoints carefully,” she added. “Ultimately, we determined that the educational benefits of the ban to our young learners outweighed any other concern.”
Families can still reach students during the school day through office and administrative channels and students will keep their district-issued iPads. And to help with the transition, the district is providing communication and support.
“Staff has and will continue to receive clear guidance on enforcement strategies to maintain consistency across classrooms,” Branch-Stewart explained. “Principals and teachers – who were instrumental in shaping the policy – will continue to support implementation. Positive reinforcement approaches will also be encouraged to promote student buy-in.”
Board of Education President Dr. Neely Hackett said the decision reflects the district’s top priority: maximizing learning.
“I am glad that this initiative is receiving attention, as it’s so important that the community understands our primary concern was for academic engagement,” Hackett pointed out.
School board member Monica Watson supported the ban and emphasized the benefits of reduced digital distractions.
“I voted in favor of the cell-phone policy because our foremost responsibility is to provide students with an environment that maximizes focus, engagement, and learning,” she said. “The outcomes we hope to see include more attentive classrooms, deeper student participation and an overall culture that prioritizes educational excellence over constant digital interruption.”
Community and parent feedback played a key role in shaping the ban. According to Watson, many parents and teachers expressed concerns about how cell-phone use interferes with students’ ability to concentrate, manage stress and build strong interpersonal skills.
“Parent and community feedback was a critical factor in shaping both the policy and its built-in exceptions,” she added.
The new rules include flexibility for emergencies and special circumstances.
“The policy includes clear exceptions to ensure student safety, medical needs and emergency situations are fully accommodated,” Watson ensured.
Hackett said the school district will closely monitor the impact of the policy through classroom observations, student data and teacher feedback.
“We understand that this change may feel challenging at first,” Watson commented. “But our decision was made with students’ best interests at heart, fostering stronger academic outcomes, building resilience and encouraging interpersonal connection.
“To parents and students, I would say we are committed to supporting you through this adjustment, communicating openly and ensuring that every child continues to feel connected, safe and prepared for success.”
