California to require schools to ban or limit student cellphone use by 2026

In California, when classes are in session, cellphones will be required to be put away.

New state law AB 272 passed by Gov. Gavin Newsom Monday aims to minimize cellphone use in the classroom in an effort to boost students' mental health. School districts and charter schools have until July 1, 2026 to implement policies limiting or prohibiting the use of smartphones.

"We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues – but we have the power to intervene," Newsom said in a news release. "This new law will help students focus on academics, social development, and the world in front of them, not their screens, when they’re in school."

Students will still be allowed to use cellphones in the event of an emergency or perceived threat, according to AB 272. Teachers, administrators, doctors and individualized education programs will also have the authority to allow cell phone use.

AB 272 expands on a 2019 law allowing, but not requiring, school districts to regulate cell phone use in the classroom during school hours.

In June, the Los Angeles Unified School District's Board of Education voted to develop its own restrictions for its more than 429,000 students. By January, students in the nation's second-largest school district will be prohibited from using of cellphones and social media platforms throughout the school day.

Teachers say phones are distracting, parents divided on subject

About 72% of high school teachers and 33% of middle school teachers believe smartphones pose a major distraction for students, according to a Pew Research Center survey published in June and cited by state officials.

About 97% of students use cell phones during the school day for an average of 43 minutes, according to a Common Sense research report published in the fall of 2023.

"Combined with the U.S. Surgeon General’s warning about the risks of social media, it is urgent to provide reasonable guardrails for smartphone use in schools," California's news release stated.

However, a National Parents Union survey posted in March showed that parents are divided on a state's prohibition of student cellphone use.

Of the more than 1,500 parents polled, 57% supported cellphone restrictions at the local level instead of a statewide ban. The survey found that about the same percentage of parents said students should be allowed to use cellphones during breaks from class and afterschool activities.

Other states urge school cellphone restrictions

At least 11 states can restrict or ask schools to restrict smartphone use, but more officials are urging for similar policies.

In March, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill prohibiting students from using phones and other wireless devices in classrooms. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a similar bill in May that requires school districts to implement a policy regulating cellphone usage during school hours.

In May, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul encouraged legislators to enact a statewide ban on cellphones at public schools including the largest school district in the U.S., according to several reports. In July, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order restricting or prohibiting cell phone use for about 1.2 million students in public schools.

Last year, Florida became the first state to prohibit student phone use when during class time and to use school Wi-Fi to block students' social media access.

Contributing: Thao Nguyen and Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY,

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California requiring student cellphone bans or restrictions by 2026