Vineland, NJ - Vineland Public Schools is preparing for the first school year under New Jersey state’s personal internet device policy, which bans students from using personal devices, including cell phones and smartwatches during school hours.

As students prepare to return to school, Vineland Public Schools recently released a post on social media, laying out expectations for devices to be “off, away, and out of sight” from the opening bell to the dismissal bell, including lunch and class transitions.

Parents and students have had mixed reactions to the new policy throughout the state, with some applauding the change for creating a safer environment and encouraging peer-to-peer interaction, and others raising concerns about security and transparency issues.

The district said, “These expectations support our continues commitment to creating a focused, respectful, and productive learning environment for all students” setting clear expectations and standards for students. Students will be permitted to use school used technology for learning purposes.