Bill to Require Public Schools to Ban, Limit Smartphones Passes (CA)
California's Assembly unanimously passed AB 3216, mandating schools to limit smartphone use by July 2026, addressing distractions and mental health concerns, with bipartisan support and expected approval from Governor Newsom.
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A bill requiring California public schools to develop policies to ban or limit smartphone usage during school hours has passed the Assembly with a unanimous vote of 77-0. Assembly Bill 3216, known as the Phone-Free Schools Act, mandates that school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools create and update these policies every five years, with a deadline set for July 1, 2026. The legislation responds to increasing concerns about smartphone distractions, cheating, mental health issues linked to social media, and overall poor academic performance among students. The bill has gained bipartisan support, reflecting a shared concern among parents and educators about the impact of smartphones in classrooms. Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the bill into law, as he has previously advocated for restrictions on smartphone use in schools. The bill's passage follows a trend where many states and school districts are implementing similar bans, with nearly 80% of districts already having some form of limitation in place. The Surgeon General has also raised alarms about the mental health effects of smartphone use on teenagers, further fueling the push for this legislation.
- California Assembly unanimously passes AB 3216 to limit smartphone use in schools.
- Schools must develop policies by July 1, 2026, and update them every five years.
- The bill addresses concerns over distractions, cheating, and mental health issues.
- Bipartisan support reflects widespread parental and educational concern.
- Governor Newsom is expected to sign the bill into law by September 30, 2024.
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2 commentsMy daughter is homeschooled, but attends the local high school for a couple of classes so she can be a part of student organizations. She’s allowed her iPad and her laptop - both of which are cellular - but not her phone or watch.
Out advice is for her to keep her mouth shut and don’t let even the other kids know she has “access”. Weirdest of all is that the school issues Chromebooks, so it’s not like every kid there doesn’t have a half dozen messaging apps at their disposal anyhow.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom plans to limit smartphone use in schools to address mental health concerns linked to social media. This aligns with a national debate, including Surgeon General's call for warning labels. Local control and regulations are advocated.
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Schools address phone overuse by implementing phone-free policies, collaborating with peers, and involving parents. Initiatives like the "Wait Past 8th Pledge" aim to promote healthier tech habits and benefit students.
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