Gov. Newsom already called for schools to restrict smartphone use on campus, but the new law will have them put together a policy limiting or banning them.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Smartphone use on school campuses across California will either be banned or limited by the start of July 2026.
The change comes as a result of Governor Gavin Newsom signing AB 3216, the Phone-Free School Act.
“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 focus on academics, social development, and the world in front of them, not their screens, when they’re in school,” said Newsom.
Newsom had already urged schools to restrict smartphone use on campus, but with the new law, every school district, including charter schools and county offices of education, will have to make a policy limiting or banning their use by July 1, 2026.
But that comes …