SACRAMENTO – On Wednesday evening the Assembly Education Committee unanimously passed landmark legislation authored by Assemblymembers Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) and Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) to limit the use of smartphones in schools. AB 3216 would require school districts in California to adopt a policy no later than July 1, 2026 that limits or prohibits the use of smartphones by students during the school day. It was approved on a unanimous 7-0 vote.
“This is an incredible first step toward protecting and improving the mental health and academic outcomes of students across California,” said Assemblyman Josh Hoover. “Research continues to demonstrate the potential harms of smartphone use among children. The growing use of these devices in a child’s everyday life can contribute to lower test scores, anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Our state must take action to limit the use of smartphones during the school day and protect kids from these potential harms.”
