How California is curbing cellphones in schools
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California is one of many states taking steps to ban or restrict cellphone use in schools, but here, individual school districts are tasked with setting the rules.
Why it matters: Cellphones can be addictive, distracting and disruptive during class, and can enable cyberbullying — but many parents view phones as critical safety tools in the event of a shooting or other emergency.
Driving the news: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the "Phone-Free School Act" in September, which requires school districts, charter schools and county offices of education to create a policy limiting or prohibiting the use of smartphones by July 1, 2026.
- There must be exceptions for emergencies and in response to a perceived threat of danger, and cellphones may be allowed in individual cases.
What they're saying: "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," Newsom said in a press release.
Zoom in: Multiple local districts have already made rules about when students can use their devices.
- For years, San Diego Unified students have not been allowed to use phones during the school day, except during lunch for high schoolers. Devices can be confiscated and repeat offenders can face disciplinary action.
- Carlsbad Unified School District set a new policy this year banning phone use at elementary and middle schools, but high schoolers can use them during breaks.
- The Los Angeles Unified School District, the largest in California, banned cellphone and social media use for all students during the school day.
The intrigue: A company called Yondr has partnered with thousands of districts to sell secure phone pouches students can unlock when leaving for the day or in case of emergency.
Between the lines: In August, the San Diego Board of Supervisors approved a policy for mental health experts to help local districts curb cellphone use in schools, including a $100,000 grant for lockable phone pouches and lockers, KPBS reported.
- San Diego, Coronado, Poway, Carlsbad and San Dieguito school districts are eligible.
- San Diego Unified district officials are also researching the potential harms phones in schools.
The big picture: Eight states, including Florida, Louisiana and Virginia, have already passed bans or restrictions on school cellphone use, per a recent KFF analysis.
- State education departments have issued policy proposals or launched pilot programs in another seven.
- Related legislation has been introduced in 12 others.
Caveat: Some states that KFF categorized as having a statewide ban or restriction, including California, have told school districts to enact their own policies, but have not said what they should be.
What's next: The jury's still out on whether bans make life better for students.
- "Emerging research on student outcomes is mixed, with some studies suggesting improvements in student mental health and academic performance and a reduction in bullying, and others showing little to no change," per KFF.