California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, signed a bill requiring schools to limit or ban students from using cellphones on school grounds during class hours.
Assembly Bill 3216, which received bipartisan support from lawmakers during the most recent legislative session, was signed into law Monday after the governor expressed support for restricting cellphone use in schools.
“We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression and other mental health issues, but we have the power to intervene,” Governor Newsom said in a statement. “This new law will help students stay focused on their academics, social development and the world in front of them while they're in school, rather than on screens.”
Governor Newsom to restrict cellphone use in schools: 'It's damaging to young people's mental health'
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill requiring schools to limit or ban students' cell phone use. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
All school districts, charter schools and county offices of education must adopt policies limiting or banning smartphone use during class time by July 1, 2026.
The policy must be updated every five years, in accordance with the law, also known as the “no school phones” law.
Governor Newsom signed a similar bill in 2019 giving school districts the power to regulate smartphone use during class time.
All school districts, charter schools and county offices of education must adopt policies limiting or banning smartphone use during class time by July 1, 2026. (Getty Images)
Several California school districts, including the Los Angeles Unified School District, have already adopted policies limiting cellphone use during class.
“Reducing cell phone use in schools is essential to minimize digital distractions and make room for stronger, more meaningful face-to-face connections,” California First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom said in a statement.
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Several California school districts, including the Los Angeles Unified School District, have already adopted policies limiting cellphone use during class. (Getty Images)
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“AB 3216 is not just about classroom instruction, it's also about protecting the mental health and social-emotional well-being of California's children,” she continued.
The legislation has received mixed reactions from education groups across the state, with the California Teachers Association and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond supporting the bill but the California School Boards Association opposing it.
