California has passed a new law, AB 272, requiring schools to limit or prohibit cellphone use during class to improve students’ mental health. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the law aims to reduce distractions and address issues like anxiety and depression caused by excessive smartphone use. Schools and charter schools have until July 2026 to implement these policies. However, phones can still be used in emergencies or if authorized by teachers or specific educational programs.
The new legislation expands upon a 2019 law that allowed but did not mandate, schools to regulate cellphone use. Some districts, like the Los Angeles Unified School District, have already taken steps to restrict cell phones, with LAUSD planning a ban on cellphone use during the entire school day starting in January 2024. This change affects over 429,000 students and reflects a broader trend of local districts moving toward stricter regulations.
There is widespread agreement among teachers that smartphones are a major distraction, especially in high school. A Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of high school teachers view smartphones as disruptive, and research indicates students use their phones for an average of 43 minutes during school hours. With concerns over the impact of social media on students’ mental health, state officials are emphasizing the importance of limiting smartphone use in schools.
However, parents are divided on the issue of cellphone restrictions. A National Parents Union survey showed that 57% of parents prefer local, rather than statewide, cellphone regulations, and many believe students should be allowed to use phones during breaks or after school. This reflects a nuanced debate among parents about how far restrictions should go.
Other states are also implementing or advocating for similar restrictions. Indiana, Ohio, and Florida have passed laws or issued orders regulating cellphone use in schools, while New York and Virginia have taken steps to encourage or enforce restrictions. Florida was the first state to block social media access via school Wi-Fi and ban phones during class, indicating a growing national movement toward tighter cellphone controls in schools.
