Under the new law, California elementary and secondary schools have until 2026 to implement guidelines to reduce smartphone usage. The rules can be relaxed in case of emergencies or health issues.

California has introduced a new law requiring schools to limit or ban smartphone use among students, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

California school districts will be required to limit or prohibit the use of smartphones in public schools following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature of a new bill into law Monday. AB 3216, authored by Republican Assemblymember Josh Hoover of Folsom, requires school districts to adopt a policy to limit or ban phones on school campuses by July 1, 2026.