This bill mandates that public schools in New Jersey adopt a policy regarding student use of cell phones and social media, guided by specific guidelines developed by the Department of Education (DOE). The policy must apply to students in grades K-12 and cover usage during regular school hours, on school buses, and at school-sanctioned events under the supervision of school staff. The DOE is required to issue these guidelines within 90 days of the bill's enactment, ensuring they are age-appropriate and compliant with state and federal laws, including provisions for students with disabilities.

The guidelines will include various stipulations, such as prohibiting non-academic use of devices during classroom instruction, allowing cell phone use in emergencies, and providing options for cell phone storage at schools. Additionally, the guidelines will address the use of different types of devices, outline network restrictions for social media access, and establish communication protocols for informing students and families about the policy. Schools are permitted to adopt stricter policies if desired. The bill is set to take effect immediately and will apply to the first full school year following its enactment.