California schools must limit student smartphone use by 2026

By Molly Gibbs | mgibbs@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group

UPDATED: September 23, 2024 at 3:53 p.m.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed controversial legislation Monday requiring California school districts to limit student smartphone use during the school day by July 2026.

The Phone-Free School Act – AB 3216 – makes California the fifth state to require all public schools to restrict student phone use on school grounds.

“We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression and other mental health issues – but we have the power to intervene,” Newsom said in a statement. “This new law will help students focus on academics, social development and the world in front of them –  not their screens – when they’re in school.”

The governor’s office said the new law will involve “significant stakeholder participation” to ensure schools’ policies are responsive to communities’ “needs and desires.”

The law says students must be allowed to use their phones in emergencies or when permitted by a teacher, administrator or doctor. Students can also use their phones if their individualized education program requires it.

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