California school districts would be required to restrict student cellphone use under bill passed by Legislature

California lawmakers on Wednesday approved a bill that would require school districts to implement a series of restrictions on student cellphone use during the school day.

The bipartisan bill, the Phone-Free Schools Act, gives districts until July 1, 2026, “to develop and adopt … a policy limiting or prohibiting the use of smartphones by their pupils while on school property or while under the supervision and control of an employee or employees of that school district, county office of education, or charter school.” Districts would have to update their policies every five years.

The legislation also includes a newly added amendment that will allow districts to use what they call “enforcement mechanisms” that limit students’ access to their phones.

Republican Assemblyman Josh Hoover of Folsom introduced the bill along with Democratic Assemblymen David Alvarez of Chula Vista, Josh Lowenthal of Long Beach and Al Muratsuchi of Torrance. It now heads to the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is expected to sign it. Newsom Educators have previously been urged to restrict phone use in the classroom. and called for a statewide ban on cell phones on public school campuses.

“Every classroom should be a place of focus, learning and growth. By working together, educators, administrators and parents can create an environment where students are fully engaged in their education, free from the distractions of phones and the pressures of social media,” Newsom wrote in a letter at the time.

If signed, California would become the fifth state in the country to enact such a law.

Why ban smartphones?

In addressing the motivation behind the legislation, Assembly Bill 3216 refers to “mounting evidence that unrestricted smartphone use by elementary and secondary school students during the school day interferes with the educational mission of schools, reduces student achievement, particularly among low-performing students, promotes cyberbullying, and contributes to increased anxiety, depression, and suicide among adolescents.”

The bill also cites similar restrictions instituted abroad, including decisions in Spain and France that lawmakers say led to increases in test scores and a decrease in bullying.

The bill states that restrictions on cell phone use will not go into effect in emergency situations, if there is a perceived threat of danger, or if school personnel allow students access. It also notes that districts will not be allowed to monitor, collect or access any information about a student’s online activities.

Some students may receive an exception to school policy depending on whether a licensed physician or surgeon determines it is necessary for their well-being.

Just a few months ago, the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest district in the country, passed its own ban on telephone use During the school day, data was also cited that alluded to the negative impact that phones can have on students’ mental health and education.