Can a sub let students use their phones?
Only if the school's own rule allows it, and more states now say no. The New Jersey Department of Education said in January 2026 that a state law (P.L.2025, c.195) requires every local school board to adopt a bell-to-bell policy banning students' non-academic phone use during the school day, with some exceptions.
Checked October 30, 2026 against the sources below.
Even inside one state, the details belong to the district. New Jersey's guidance lets each district choose how phones are stored and how the rule is enforced, from locked pouches to lockers to backpacks. So the rule in the next town may look different from the one you saw last week.
Some students may have a phone for a health reason or under an IEP or 504 plan. You will not always know who. If a student says they are allowed, do not argue it out in front of the class. Ask the office or check the teacher's notes.
Your own phone counts too. San Ramon Valley tells subs not to answer a cell phone during class, and Dysart says to use phones only at breaks and lunch. Ask the school office what the phone rule is when you sign in.
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Sources
- New Jersey Department of Education, bell-to-bell cell phone guidance (15 January 2026) (opened October 30, 2026)
- San Ramon Valley Unified (CA), Substitute Handbook 2023-2024 (opened October 30, 2026)
- Dysart Unified (AZ), Substitute Teacher Handbook 2026-27 (opened October 30, 2026)
More on in the room
This answers a common question in general. Your district, school and state may differ, and their word wins. Up: All questions · Substitute teachers
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