In California, students will need to store their cellphones during class times starting soon.

A new law, AB 272, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday, is designed to reduce cellphone usage in classrooms, aiming to improve mental health among students. School districts and charter schools are required to establish policies restricting or banning smartphone use by July 1, 2026.

“We understand that overusing smartphones can lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and various mental health challenges – but we can take action,” Newsom stated in a news release. “This legislation will aid students in concentrating on their studies, fostering social skills, and engaging with the real world rather than their screens while in school.”

According to AB 272, students may still use their cellphones during emergencies or if there is a perceived threat. Additionally, teachers, administrators, healthcare providers, and those involved in individualized education programs can permit cellphone usage.

AB 272 builds upon a 2019 law that allowed, but did not require, school districts to control cellphone usage in classrooms during school hours.

In June, the Los Angeles Unified School District approved efforts to create its own guidelines for over 429,000 students. Starting in January, students in this major school district will be banned from using cellphones and social media throughout the school day.

Teachers express concerns about distractions, while parents have mixed feelings

A Pew Research Center survey shared in June revealed that about 72% of high school teachers and 33% of middle school teachers view smartphones as a significant distraction for students.

Research from Common Sense in the fall of 2023 found that nearly 97% of students use cellphones during school, averaging around 43 minutes daily.

“Given the U.S. Surgeon General’s warnings about the dangers of social media, it is crucial to establish sensible restrictions on smartphone use within schools,” stated California’s press release.

Conversely, a survey conducted by the National Parents Union in March indicated that parents are divided regarding a statewide ban on student cellphone use.

Among more than 1,500 parents surveyed, 57% favored local regulations rather than a blanket state law. Similarly, a comparable percentage believed that students should be allowed to use cellphones during breaks and after-school activities.

Other states pursue school cellphone restrictions

At least 11 states can limit or suggest schools to limit smartphone use, with more officials advocating for similar measures.

In March, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb enacted a law prohibiting student use of phones and wireless devices in classrooms. Ohio’s Governor Mike DeWine also signed a similar law in May requiring school districts to develop policies regulating cellphone use during school hours.

In May, New York Governor Kathy Hochul encouraged lawmakers to pursue a state-level ban on cellphones in public schools, including for the largest school district in the U.S. By July, Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order to limit or ban cellphone usage for roughly 1.2 million students in public schools.

Last year, Florida became the first state to impose a ban on student cellphone use during class and to use school Wi-Fi to block access to social media for students.

Contributors: Thao Nguyen and Kayla Jimenez, YSL News,