California students to be restricted from using phones during class

School districts in California will be required to create policies to limit students’ use of smartphones, according to a new law signed into law by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday, Sept. 23.

California is not the first state to try to limit students’ access to phones in an effort to minimize distractions in the classroom and address the impact of social media on children’s mental health. Similar laws have already been passed in Florida, Louisiana, Indiana, and other states.

“The new law will help students focus on learning, social development and the world in front of them, not on screens, when they are in school,” Newsom said, according to the Associated Press.

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But some critics of the ban say the burden of enforcing the rules shouldn't fall on teachers. Others worry that the rules will make it harder for students to get help in an emergency, or argue that decisions to ban phones should be made at the district or school level.

The law requires school districts to adopt rules by July 1, 2026, limiting or prohibiting students from using smartphones on school grounds or while under the supervision of school personnel.

The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Josh Hoover, a Republican, along with a group of lawmakers from both parties who are also parents.

“It's certainly going to be tough for students to break free sometimes,” Hoover said. – But I think overall they understand why it's important, why it will help them focus better in class and communicate better with their peers when they're at school.”

Proponents of restricting access to phones say that in the event of a school shooting, it would be better if phones were turned off so they wouldn't ring and give away the location of students.

Prepared by: Sergey Daga