California has enacted a new law requiring school districts, county education offices, and charter schools to limit or ban smartphone usage on campuses. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on Monday, marking a significant step in addressing concerns about the impact of smartphones on students’ educational experiences.
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Under the law, schools must devise and implement a strategy to restrict or prohibit cellphone use by July 1, 2026, with plans subject to review and updates every five years. The bill cites growing evidence that unrestricted smartphone access during school hours disrupts educational goals, negatively affects student performance—especially among those who are already struggling—and fosters cyberbullying. Additionally, it notes a correlation between smartphone use and increased levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among teenagers.
Research indicates that cell phones can significantly distract students, leading to detrimental effects on their academic achievements and mental well-being. The bill emphasizes that the presence of these devices in classrooms not only undermines students’ academic efforts but also correlates with higher instances of academic dishonesty and cyberbullying.
Governor Newsom has been advocating for limitations on student cellphone use for several months. In a statement, he remarked, “We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues—but we have the power to intervene. This new law will help students concentrate on their academics, social development, and the world around them, rather than their screens.”
In August, Newsom urged California lawmakers to impose restrictions on phone usage in schools. Notably, the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest district in the U.S., along with Santa Barbara Unified, has already instituted similar limitations.
Students will retain the right to use phones during emergencies or when faced with threats, provided they obtain permission from a teacher or school administrator. Additionally, if a doctor recommends a smartphone for a student’s health or if it is required as part of an individualized education plan, exceptions will apply.
This law follows a 2019 bill that gave school districts the authority to regulate cellphone use during school hours. Newsom has previously stated that reducing phone use in classrooms can lead to enhanced focus, improved academic performance, and better social interactions among students.
Public health officials have recently voiced concerns that social media is contributing to a mental health crisis among young people. Last June, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy advocated for warning labels on social media platforms, highlighting their potential harm to adolescent mental health.
Virginia has also announced plans to restrict cellphone usage in public K-12 schools, with those measures set to take effect in 2025.
