California schools must limit student smartphone use by 2026

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

By Molly Gibbs | [email protected] | 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.

Read the full article here: https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/09/23/california-schools-must-limit-student-smartphone-use-by-2026/?campaign=sjmnbreakingnews&utm_email=F45CB43975C334E1D50474B107&active=yesD&lctg=F45CB43975C334E1D50474B107&utm_source=listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fwww.mercurynews.com%2f2024%2f09%2f23%2fcalifornia-schools-must-limit-student-smartphone-use-by-2026%2f&utm_campaign=bang-sjmn-nl-breaking-news-alerts-nl&utm_content=alert

Take The Pledge

Take the "Away For The Day" pledge and show that you support school policies that require students to put their cell phones away in lockers, backpacks, or other places all day.

Take The Pledge Here