As the shreds of humanity try to gut through the ongoing dehumanizing onslaught of AI, Governor Mikie Sherrill this afternoon at Cherry Hill School East highlighted the positive impacts of New Jersey’s bell-to-bell school cell phone ban.

"What I heard today brought up some things that hadn't occurred to me," said Sherrill, standing at a podium with a sign stapled to it that said, "Fewer Distractions, More Discoveries."

"Kids aren't worried that their friends are online," the governor observed. "I heard a lot about people feeling a lot less anxiety."

One student told the governor she feels less stress without the phone. She doesn't have to get the constant barrage from her mom about her college applications.

The cellphone ban is changing the culture of learning, Sherrill said, and helping to ensure that "We as human beings own the future and are not being owned by AI."

Most young people, the Governor noted, spend five hours a day on their phones.

So, the cellphone ban - signed by former Governor Phil Murphy - feels like a bit of a Bandaid in a big tech tsunami.

"These smart phones are hijacking are kids' childhoods," Sherrill admitted.

She tried to stay positive.

"Eight out of ten New Jerseyans are supporting [the cellphone ban]," said the Gen X Governor.

The crowd of local pols included Senator Paul Moriarty (D) Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D) and Camden Clerk Pam Lampitt.