By Scarlett Tarango
California joins with other states in favor of cell phone regulation in schools. Governor Gavin Newsom already signed the Phone-Free School Act in September of 2024. The deadline for policies to be permanently put in place is July 1, 2026.
The bill addresses the common distraction that students face because of cell phones. The Act gives teachers and administrators the authority to restrict any phone use during class. In the past, schools were given permission to take phones away from students, but now they will be required to.
As the July deadline approaches, there have already been drastic changes in schools. Most of them are implementing the new policy by having students store their devices in phone holders or phone pockets at the start of class. However, teachers will still be required to let students use their phones in case of any kind of emergency, if they are previously allowed by an administrator, or if a student has recommendation from a doctor.
“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,” Newsom states on the State of California website in regards to the bill. Newsom also says, “Reducing phone use in schools is essential for minimizing digital distractions and making space for stronger and more meaningful in-person connections.”
Districts who have begun implementing the new policies have received mixed reactions from students, with a lot of it being positive. Some students admit that their work ethic has improved, and that they’ve improved their social skills by interacting with their peers face to face more often.
When asked if the new phone policies at Benicia High School have positively or negatively impacted students, student Olivia Biber said, “Positively. I’ve become a lot more productive with school work and it keeps everyone engaged. I find myself more easily connecting with classmates.”
After adjusting to the switch, the policy seems to be helping a lot of teachers and students not only focus during classes, but make new connections with each other. Students are becoming more easily adjusted and accepting to a phone free school environment.
beniciapaw.com 