AB 3216 — makes California the fifth state to require all public schools to restrict student phone use on school grounds.

The legislation makes California the latest state to try to curb student phone access in an effort to minimize distractions in the classroom and address the mental health impacts of social media on children. Florida, Louisiana, Indiana and several other states have passed laws aimed at restricting student phone use at school.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill to limit the use of smartphones during school hours. Many students, parents and even school officials are pushing back against cell phone bans.

California has enacted a new law that requires school districts to establish regulations limiting student smartphone use, following the lead of several other states.

Under the new law, California elementary and secondary schools have until 2026 to implement guidelines to reduce smartphone usage. The rules can be relaxed in case of emergencies or health issues.

Gov. Newsom signed the Phone-Free Schools Act into law. It requires California school districts to draft policies restricting or banning student cellphone use.

California is the latest and largest state to require its schools to restrict or ban cellphone use in the classroom. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed the Phone-Free School Act on Monday, which requires every school in the Golden State to implement a policy limiting cellphone use by July 1,

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed into law Monday a bill that will restrict cell phones in schools across the state. The Phone-Free School Act requires every public school to create a policy to limit or prohibit phone use by students during school hours.