New Jersey school district lets officials check students’ phones to stop bullying

BAYVILLE, OCEAN COUNTY (WABC) — A New Jersey school district is taking action after a student committed suicide last year after being bullied by his peers.

The Ocean County Central Regional School District said it will allow officials to view students’ cellphones.

The district also requires middle school students to keep their cellphones in special holders.

High school students must turn them off or put them away entirely.

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In early 2023, 14-year-old Adriana Kuch took her own life after being bullied and beaten in high school, her father said. Cyberbullying emerged after an attack in a school corridor was posted online.

In the wake of her death, students and parents from other Central Area high schools have come forward to complain about bullying at the same school.

If you are experiencing suicide, substance abuse or other mental health crisis, please call or text the new three-digit code 988. You’ll have free access to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit 988lifeline.org.

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