California Legislature Passes Bill Requiring Schools to Limit or Ban Phones During School Hours

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The California legislature passed a bill this week mandating that all public schools in the state develop a plan to limit or ban smartphone use during the school day. The "Phone-Free Schools Act," introduced by Assemblyman Josh Hoover, requires schools to devise these plans by July 2026. Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the bill into law, making California the fifth state in the U.S. to implement such measures.

Assemblyman Hoover, the bill's author, emphasized the potential benefits of reducing smartphone use among students, citing studies that link excessive phone use to lower academic performance and increased mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. "Research continues to demonstrate the potential harms of smartphone use among children," Hoover said. "Our state must take action to limit the use of smartphones during the school day and protect kids from these potential harms."

The bill provides flexibility for schools to determine the best approach to managing smartphone use on their campuses. Options could include requiring students to place their phones in lockers or sealed pouches during school hours. However, the legislation allows for exceptions in cases of medical necessity or emergencies, ensuring that students have access to their phones when absolutely needed.

Some school districts in California have already started taking steps to limit smartphone use. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second-largest school district in the United States, approved its own ban on cellphones and social media use during the school day in June. Although the ban has yet to be fully implemented, LAUSD has given its schools until January 2025 to develop their specific plans for enforcement.

If Governor Newsom signs the bill into law, California will join a growing list of states adopting measures to reduce smartphone use in schools. Advocates for the bill argue that it will foster a better learning environment by minimizing distractions and promoting face-to-face interaction among students. As Hoover noted, "This is an incredible first step toward protecting and improving the mental health and academic outcomes of students across California."

With the passage of this bill, California schools will now have to navigate the balance between maintaining accessibility for emergencies and limiting potential distractions to promote a healthier educational atmosphere.