In response to national and global trends, California’s public education system has committed to implement “policies to limit or prohibit smartphone use during school hours” by July 1.
“This mandate stems from Assembly Bill 3216, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2024, marking a bold step to address the growing concerns over digital distractions in classrooms,” writes Eric Hastings for WebProNews. “The legislation, known as the Phone-Free School Act, builds on earlier efforts but now enforces a statewide requirement, compelling districts to craft and update these policies every five years.”
Hastings notes how this policy “aligns with global movements, such as France’s 2018 school phone ban.” He also suggests federal guidelines may follow California’s example, especially after Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory on social media’s mental health effects on youth in 2023.
“Ultimately, AB 3216 embodies a cultural pivot, challenging the notion that connectivity equals progress,” he concludes. “By fostering environments where learning takes precedence over likes, the state aims to nurture healthier, more engaged generations.”
