SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Smartphone use on school campuses across California will either be banned or limited by the start of July 2026.
The change comes as a result of Governor Gavin Newsom signing AB 3216, the Phone-Free School Act.
“We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues – but we have the power to intervene. 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,” said Newsom.
Newsom had already urged schools to restrict smartphone use on campus, but with the new law, every school district, including charter schools and county offices of education, will have to make a policy limiting or banning their use by July 1, 2026.
But that comes with some caveats. The policies will involve stakeholder input and will also have to allow things like emergency use or use allowed by a teacher, doctor or individualized education program.
Citing a PEW Research Center survey, the governor's office said 72% of high school and 33% of middle school teachers reported cellphone distractions as a problem.
“AB 3216 represents an important opportunity to address the mental health of our students by restricting smartphones in schools. I have directly engaged with our students, parents, and educators as we have explored the need for this important change. I will continue to make sure that we hear the voices of our young people, their families, and our hardworking school staff as we implement smartphone restrictions across the state,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.