Gov. Phil Murphy gave his annual State of the State Address on Jan. 14, and he spoke about his list of priorities for his final year in office.

One of the policies he talked about implementing was a ban on cell phones in the classroom, due to poor mental health and distraction from the student’s education.

But what does this mean?

Murphy has not yet disclosed the specifics of what the ban may look like, but Del Val already has policies in line with what he has suggested. Ariel Gilbert, head of security at Del Val, has been revising the policy during her time here.

“I think if it goes a little more strict than just the curricular times, than that will be more of an adjustment for us,” Gilbert said. “If it is just during specific blocks, a period or educational periods, I think we’re already in that direction, so I don’t think it’d be too much of a budge for us.”

Currently, Del Val allows students to use their phone during unit lunch and passing periods.

Otherwise, students are permitted to use their phone during a block when they are given specific instructions by a teacher for curricular use.

“There should be awareness of how to actually use cellphones in a professional environment because our job as a school is to prepare you for life,” Gilbert said. “It’s important that you know when you’re at work, you’re not on your cellphone, and when you get your breaks, you use your cellphone.”

So far, eight states have put official bans in place: California, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia.

In some schools that have already enforced the ban, students are not allowed to use their phones in any class between the beginning and end of the day, nor during any scheduled breaks.

This is where Del Val could see more of a change.

Different schools have found different ways to “lock up” phones. Some teachers keep a felt-like poster with pockets at the front of the classroom, or a “dropbox” to insert your phone into. The idea is that the phone will be out-of-sight, out-of-mind, and they won’t be a distraction from schoolwork.

Ramsey High School in Bergen Country requires students to store their devices in Yondr pouches during the school day. With the Yondr pouch, there is a set up phone-free zone, and, upon entering, students place their phones in the pouch. The pouch then locks, but it is able to remain in your possession. To use your phone, you must step outside of the phone-free zone and tap the pouch to an unlocking base.

Yondr pouches are just one of the many ways schools may start to remove cell phone usage during learning time.

The reason Murphy wants to establish a cell phone ban is because believes it is fueling a rise in cyberbullying, and phones are distracting kids from learning and retaining information.

While this may be true, many students argue that communication to home is more important.

“I feel that we should have the right to contact our parents, or anybody we need to,” freshman Natalie Petronko said. “If something bad happens, we need access to our phones. Also, with sports and activities, if something changes, you need to be able to contact a parent to pick you up.”

Many students at Del Val agree that using your phone during class isn’t necessary, but they believe their phones should at least be accessible to their use. Previous generations used to live without cell phones, leading many older people to have a different view point. However, it’s undeniable that society has adapted to a world that cannot live without them.

Phones have allowed plans to change at the drop of hat. Students can easily send a text or call their parental figures if practice is cancelled or if pick up times change last minute. As society relies on cell phones to communicate daily needs, learning to live without them will be a struggle for many.

While Del Val students seem to oppose the ban, Murphy says he doesn’t want to see students struggle anymore.

“…it’s a safety issue concerning emergency situations… some kids need them for medical conditions,” sophomore Esme D’Orazio said.

Time will tell what the state government decides, but in the meantime, you can reach out to your state senators or representatives to share your opinions.