The California Legislature passed the Phone-Free Schools Act on Wednesday, a bipartisan bill that mandates school districts to implement restrictions on students’ cell phone use throughout the school day.
Assembly Bill 3216 now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature.
The big picture: Under the act, school districts have until July 1, 2026, to develop and adopt policies that limit or prohibit students’ smartphone usage while on school premises or under school district supervision.
- The legislation requires districts to update their cell phone policies every five years, emphasizing the importance of regulating student access to phones during instructional hours.
- An additional amendment allows districts to utilize enforcement mechanisms to control students’ access to their phones, further reinforcing the push for reduced distractions in educational settings.
- Exceptions to the cell phone ban may be granted in emergencies, perceived threats of danger, or if deemed necessary for a student’s well-being by a licensed physician or surgeon, allowing for flexibility in policy implementation.
What we’re watching: Newsom has shown support for the bill, recently penning a letter urging school districts to develop policies to restrict phone usage.
- As the Surgeon General affirmed, social media is harming the mental health of our youth,” Newsom said in a statement at the time. “Building on legislation I signed in 2019, I look forward to working with the Legislature to restrict the use of smartphones during the school day. When children and teens are in school, they should be focused on their studies – not their screens.”
- Assuming newsom signs AB 3216, California will become the fifth state to enact such legislation.
