Official announcements from individual school districts or California Department of Education

California Governor Signs Law to Restrict Smartphone Use in Schools by 2026

Sep 24, 2024, 12:56 AM

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 3216, known as the Phone-Free School Act, which mandates that every school district, charter school, and county office of education in the state develop policies to limit or ban smartphone use by July 1, 2026. The legislation aims to address concerns over student distractions, mental health issues, and social well-being linked to excessive smartphone use. This move follows similar regulations enacted in at least eight other states this year. The bill passed 76-0 in the state assembly and 38-1 in the senate. The new law allows for exceptions in emergencies and health issues, and each district can tailor its own policy.