The State Legislature recently passed Assembly Bill 3216, the “Phone-Free Schools Act,” which awaits Newsom's signature. When enacted, it will require districts to adopt policies limiting smartphone, with exceptions for emergencies or health needs.
Concerns over smartphone use have escalated, with Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy warning about its impact on youth mental health. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond also supports these measures, stating, “excessive smartphone use has a negative impact on the well-being of our young people.” Local districts, like Los Angeles USD, are already implementing policies to limit cellphone use during instructional periods.