California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Phone-Free School Act into law this week, requiring every school district, charter school, and county office of education statewide to implement rules limiting cellphone use by July 1st, 2026. There are exceptions to the rule, including using phones for emergencies or with permission under certain circumstances.
“We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues — but we have the power to intervene,” said Newsom in a statement.
This comes as other states like New York consider pursuing legislation for a total ban on phones in schools. It’s part of a wave of laws targeting tech-related child safety at the state and national level, including the…