The NJ Phone-Free Law Is Now Reality
But Enforcement Alone
Won’t Deliver Results
New Jersey’s bell-to-bell restrictions (P.L.2025, c.195) require districts to build student understanding and buy-in. Converlation delivers the curriculum that aligns with NJDOE Guidance - helping reduce resistance, support SEL, and ensure a smooth rollout.
Commit Early for Fall 2026 Implementation
Secure Your District’s Smooth Transition Now
What NJ District Leaders Are Facing Right Now
The new bell-to-bell restrictions are mandatory for fall 2026, and NJDOE Guidance emphasizes proactive communication, explaining the rationale, and building buy-in. But policy alone doesn't create smooth implementation. Here's the reality most districts are navigating:
Mandatory Compliance Pressure
Every board must adopt and align policies with NJDOE Guidance (released Jan 15, 2026)- including age-appropriate restrictions, secure storage, and developmentally differentiated approaches - while avoiding gaps that could draw scrutiny.
Risk of Student & Parent Pushback
Without clear explanation of the "why" (focus, well-being, reduced distractions), restrictions feel punitive - leading to resistance, complaints, and eroded trust.
Teacher Enforcement Burden
Staff become "phone police" instead of educators, with inconsistent handling across classrooms and added discipline load during a busy transition year.
SEL & Mental Health Gaps
Guidance highlights protecting student well-being and academic engagement, but without explicit tools to teach self-regulation and rationale, districts miss opportunities to support emotional awareness and focus.
Timeline Crunch
Policies must be ready for 2026; spring/summer planning means decisions now or scramble later with limited flexibility for local needs.
Policy sets the boundary.
Converlation builds the understanding so enforcement becomes support, not conflict, and your district transitions smoothly.
Trusted by Respected NJ Leaders
Hear from a Former NJDOE Assistant Commissioner.
“Converlation allowed us to implement phone restrictions smoothly because students understood the ‘why,’ not just the rule. It aligned with our curriculum, supported SEL, and helped bring parents along instead of fighting them."
-Dr. Lisa J. Gleason
Superintendent, Lavallette School District
Former Assistant Commissioner, Division of Academics and Performance, NJDOE
Implemented Converlation in NJ schools for 4+ years ahead of the 2026 phone-free mandate.
Connect with Dr. Gleason - [email protected]
Michelle (Mullan) Silva, Supervisor of Pupil Services, Little Silver School District
Connect with Mrs. Silva - [email protected]
NJSLS Standards and CASEL
Converlation integrates directly with NJSLS in Computer Science and Design Thinking (CS & DT) and Comprehensive Health and Physical Education (CHPE), while aligning to CASEL's SEL competencies. This supports required instruction in technology impacts, emotional health, personal growth, and decision-making, fitting seamlessly into advisory, SEL, health/PE, or CS blocks.
Converlation is a ready-to-use, digital curriculum and aligned with NJSLS & CASEL Framework for grades 5–8 that directly supports the NJDOE Guidance on explaining the rationale, building student understanding, and fostering buy-in. It helps students grasp why bell-to-bell restrictions protect focus, well-being, and learning, turning potential resistance into self-regulation and smoother daily operations for teachers and administrators.
Fully Aligned with New Jersey Law & NJDOE Guidance
Converlation directly supports the requirements of (bell-to-bell restrictions effective 2026–27) and the NJDOE Guidance for Schools on Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices.
It provides the education layer that complements policy by promoting proactive communication, explaining the rationale, building understanding and buy-in, and addressing age-appropriate needs, helping districts create positive school climates and protect student well-being.
- Supports Bell-to-Bell Restrictions
- Emphasizes Proactive & Transparent Communication
- Explains the Rationale & Builds Student Understanding
- Age-Appropriate & Grade-Level Differentiated
- Promotes Family & Stakeholder Engagement
- Reinforces SEL & Well-Being Priorities
"The effective creation and implementation of a district’s cell phone policy requires proactive, transparent, and inclusive communication with students, families, and staff."
Converlation - Success in Schools
We have it.
The Curriculum That Makes NJ Phone-Free Implementation Work
Don’t know where to start when it comes to teaching kids about tech?
Our program can help.
Key Features & Benefits
Conversation-Driven, Not Lecture-Based
Students engage through guided discussions, reflection, and real-life connections - no preaching, no “tech is bad” messaging - so they reach their own conclusions and retain the “why.”
Grade-Specific & Developmentally Aligned
Four separate curricula (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th grade) with 8 modules each, matching NJDOE’s call for age-appropriate and grade-level differentiated approaches.
Flexible & Low-Burden Implementation
Fully digital delivery; fits into advisory, homeroom, health/PE, SEL blocks, or dedicated time; teachers need only a 10-minute onboarding video with no heavy training or prep required.
Includes Parent Engagement Component
Extends school-home alignment with family resources and discussion prompts - helping reduce parent pushback and reinforce consistent expectations as Guidance recommends proactive family communication.
Proven in New Jersey Classrooms
Already implemented successfully for 4+ years in NJ districts - delivering measurable engagement, reduced device-related friction, and stronger SEL outcomes before the mandate even existed.
Policy removes the devices.
Converlation prepares students to thrive without them - so your fall 2026 transition is focused on learning, not enforcement battles.
Practical Details
- Fully Digital Deployment – Interactive flipbooks. No physical materials, no storage logistics.
- Scalable for Any Size - Single school or district-wide licensing; automatic discounts for multiple schools.
- No Schedule Overhaul - Fits existing advisory/SEL time slots; flexible module length (15–45 minutes based on discussion).
- Low Teacher Burden - Ready-to-facilitate content; no curriculum development required which frees staff to focus on teaching.
- Early Commitment Advantage - Lock in now for smooth prep, priority support, and reference positioning as a leader in NJ implementation.
Commit Early - Ensure Your District Is Ready for a Focused, Low-Friction 2026–27 School Year
Simple to Launch –
Designed for a Smooth 2026–27 Implementation
Converlation is fully digital and flexible, requiring minimal staff time while delivering the student understanding NJDOE Guidance calls for. Districts commit now (spring/summer 2026 planning window) to ensure seamless integration when bell-to-bell restrictions take effect for the 2026–2027 school year. No last-minute scrambles.
Timeline Steps:
1. Decide & Commit Now (Spring/Summer 2026)
2. Onboard Teachers & Staff (Minimal Effort)
3. Roll Out Digitally (Fall 2026 Start)
4. Reinforce & Monitor (Ongoing)
Commit Early – Ensure Your District Is Ready for a Focused, Low-Friction 2026–27 School Year
Real Results from New Jersey Schools Already Using Converlation
Before the 2026 mandate, NJ districts implemented Converlation and saw genuine engagement, reduced resistance, and stronger SEL outcomes. Here’s what teachers, students, parents, and leaders actually report after years of use.
Teachers:
“I was surprised by the excitement to share. I seldom see that level of engagement with my students as a whole.”
-Gloria, Grade 6
“Even the quieter students are participating… They enjoy the days we do the Converlations.”
-Jason & Brittany
“Normally my kids are ready to run out the door. But not during Converlation - they stayed after the bell.”
-Pilot Teacher
Students:
“When I realized you didn’t think tech was bad, I listened… and now I use my phone less.”
-Grade 5
“That they are trying to hack my brain and that made me mad.”
-Grade 5
“I’ve been sleeping early lately because I decided to turn off my phone.”
- Grade 7
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
-Grade 8
Parents:
“Kids who didn’t think they would like discussions ended up enjoying it and self-monitoring without being told.”
- Amanda
“Now our family has a common language for ongoing conversations about healthy tech habits.”
- Tim
“It created uninterrupted time my stepdaughter looked forward to strengthening our relationship.”
- Ali
School Leaders:
“These schools were ahead of the game… now positioned as leaders when others are scrambling.”
- Implementing Administrator
Help your students make better DECISIONS
in this digital world.
Prepare Your District for a Smooth, Compliant Phone-Free Fall 2026
New Jersey’s bell-to-bell restrictions are here and NJDOE Guidance makes clear: successful implementation requires more than enforcement - it requires students understanding the why. Converlation delivers that missing layer: proven conversation-based curriculum, full alignment with NJSLS and CASEL, full alignment with guidance, teacher-friendly rollout, and family support. Districts that act now avoid friction, protect learning time, and position themselves as proactive leaders.
Schedule a Conversation
Speak with John & Kathy about your district’s fit and timeline.
Get Instant Quote
Transparent pricing – comparable to one assembly, with lasting impact.
Download Full Dossier & Alignment Guide
See complete testimonials, standards mapping, and funding eligibility.
Whether you’re finalizing policy now or preparing for board approval, Converlation is the low-risk, high-impact way to meet NJDOE expectations and create a focused learning environment. Join the NJ districts already ahead. Let’s make your transition successful.
Get the tools you need to help students thrive in a digital world.
Questions? Contact us directly: Connect@Converlation.com
• Aligned with NJDOE Guidance
• Used in NJ Schools Since 2022
• Developed by 30-Year NJ Educator
