Proposed CA law would require schools to restrict student cell phone use

California legislature passed a bill that gives school districts in the state until July 1, 2026 to come up with their own policies to restrict or prohibit cell phone use at school.

Under the Phone-Free Schools Act , or AB 3216, school districts would have to update the policy every 5 years. The proposed law also gives schools the ability to enforce the bans by using in-classroom lockers or individual locking pouches.

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There are some exceptions in the bill in that schools can't ban kids from using phones out of medical necessity, in the event of an emergency, or for individualized instruction.

Lawmakers cited a number of reasons for restricting cellphone use at school, including concerns over anxiety, depression, and bullying from always being on phones and social media.

In June, the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Board approved a resolution banning students from using their cell phones on campus during the school day. That will go into effect in January 2025.

One man told KNX News’ Jon Baird he thinks the ban is a great idea.

“I don't think they should be having their phones in class anyways,” he said. “I mean, other than [using] the calculator, but I mean, you can grab a calculator at the store.”

One woman said she was for limiting the use of cell phones.

“I think they should not completely take it away but at least monitor it and have some kind of limitations,” she said.

But one man said he doesn’t think schools should limit or ban cell phones.

“There [are] pros and cons to it. People get distracted too much, but then they also need their phones to call their people if they need it like their parents, right?”

If the bill is signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsp,k, California would be the fifth state in the country with a cell phone ban at schools.

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