New Jersey’s new bell-to-bell device law goes too far, especially for high school students.

High school students are not young children. Many are 16, 17, or 18 years old. They drive, work jobs, take college-level courses, participate in activities, and are preparing to enter college or the workforce. If students are trusted with these responsibilities, they should also be trusted to use personal technology responsibly.

This law also affects smartwatches and other internet-enabled devices. Devices like the Apple Watch aren’t used only for texting or entertainment. They can provide heart-rate alerts, irregular-rhythm notifications, Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, and other health and safety features. A student wearing a smartwatch for legitimate health or safety purposes should not automatically be treated the same as someone using a phone irresponsibly.

Phones are also how students communicate with parents about transportation, work, family matters, schedule changes, and unexpected situations. Parents should have reasonable access to their children during the school day.

We are asking Governor Mikie Sherrill, the New Jersey Legislature, and the New Jersey Department of Education to amend the bell-to-bell policy and create reasonable rules that recognize the maturity of high school students and legitimate communication, health, and safety uses of personal devices.

High school should prepare students for adulthood—and responsibility is learned by being given responsibility.

If you believe New Jersey’s policy goes too far, sign and share this petition.