California’s new law requires schools to limit phone use

California governor Gavin Newsom signed the Phone-Free School Act into law this week, requiring every school district, charter school, and county office of education statewide to implement rules limiting cell phone use by July 1st, 2026. There are exceptions to the rule, including using phones for emergencies or with permission under certain circumstances.

“We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues — but we have the power to intervene,” said Newsom in a statement.

This comes as other states like New York consider pursuing legislation for a total ban on phones in schools. It’s part of a wave of laws targeting tech-related child safety at the state and national level, including the Kids Online Safety Act, as well as age-gating laws in places like Texas.

As written, Assembly Bill 3216 says schools shall “develop and adopt, and shall update every five years, a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of smartphones” as long as they’re at a school site or under the supervision of school employees. It describes the goal as promoting “evidence-based use of smartphone practices to support pupil learning and well-being” and says it should be “responsive to the unique needs and desires of pupils, parents, and educators in each community.”

It also says schools can implement “enforcement mechanisms” that limit access to phones.

The California School Boards Association opposed the new law, arguing it’s redundant and forced decision-makers to adopt policies restricting cell phones even if it was found that there was no need, as The New York Times reported.

According to EducationWeek’s tracker, at least 15 states have added laws or policies around restricting students’ use of cell phones in schools.