California Mandates School Smartphone Restrictions: Balancing Education and Digital Wellness

California Governor Signs Law Requiring Schools to Restrict Student Smartphone Use

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law mandating school districts across the state to establish rules limiting student smartphone use on campus. The legislation, aimed at reducing classroom distractions and addressing the mental health impacts of social media on children, follows similar measures implemented in Florida, Louisiana, Indiana, and other states.

Governor Newsom stated that the law would “help students focus on learning and developing healthy social skills.” However, critics argue that the responsibility should not fall on teachers and express concerns about communication during emergencies.

The California School Boards Association, while supporting districts that have independently implemented restrictions, opposes the statewide mandate.

Under the new law, districts must create policies by July 1, 2026, to limit or ban smartphone use on school grounds. These policies are required to be updated every five years. The legislation builds upon a 2019 law that authorized districts to restrict phone access.

Assemblymember Josh Hoover introduced the bill with bipartisan support, citing personal experience with phone restrictions at his children’s school. The recent push for action follows U.S. Surgeon General’s call for warning labels on social media platforms.

Some parents have raised concerns about communication during emergencies, particularly in light of a recent school shooting in Georgia. However, proponents argue that phones should be off during active shooter situations to avoid revealing student locations.

Districts that have already implemented phone bans, such as Santa Barbara Unified School District, report positive feedback from teachers. Los Angeles Unified board member Nick Melvoin noted that the restrictions help prevent students from feeling left out on social media.

Principal Tarik McFall of Sutter Middle School in Folsom observed improved school culture and student interactions following the implementation of phone restrictions.

The increased reliance on technology for learning, especially post-COVID-19 pandemic, has complicated the issue. Some districts, like Natomas Unified, provide Chromebooks for students, with smartphones serving as a backup option.

As schools navigate this new mandate, they must balance the benefits of reduced distractions with the practical considerations of technology in modern education.

(Austin is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Follow Austin on X: @sophieadanna)