Phone-Free School Act

The conversation around smartphones and their impact on student learning and mental health is evolving rapidly. On

September 23, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 3216 (AB 3216), also known as the Phone-Free School Act. This legislation mandates that by July 1, 2026, all California school districts, charter schools, and county offices must adopt policies limiting or banning smartphone use on school grounds. Policies must be updated every five years to remain relevant.

Exceptions to these bans include emergencies or cases authorized by physicians, administrators, or individualized education programs. In all other situations, students are prohibited from using or possessing smartphones while under school supervision.

Why Phone-Free Schools?

Research has consistently shown that smartphones significantly impair learning and overall student well-being. In classrooms, cellphones distract students, lower academic performance, and hinder social engagement. A survey of K–12 teachers revealed that one-third consider cellphone distraction a major issue in their classrooms. AB 3216 seeks to reduce these distractions, with Governor Newsom emphasizing the importance of helping students focus on academics, social development, and the real-world environment around them.

Beyond academics, excessive smartphone use correlates with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues in youth. First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom has championed AB 3216 as a step not only toward improving classroom learning but also toward safeguarding the emotional and mental health of California’s students.

How Digital4Good Supports Schools

Digital4Good, a nonprofit founded in 2013 by Kim Karr and Matt Soeth, is dedicated to empowering students and educators to be confident digital leaders. Originally launched as an anti-cyberbullying initiative, Digital4Good has evolved into a national movement advocating for safe, respectful, and inclusive online behavior.

The organization has supported over 700,000 students and 8,000 educators across 11,000 schools. By partnering with leading tech companies like Google, TikTok, and Microsoft, Digital4Good provides resources that help schools navigate technology-related challenges.

As schools prepare for the implementation of AB 3216, Digital4Good offers tailored programs, including:

• #ICANHELP Training: During the 2023-2024 school year, 168 California schools booked #ICANHELP presentations or attended conference workshops. These programs have successfully reduced social media-related disciplinary incidents and encouraged students to combat online toxicity.
• Policy Support: The organization provides free policy suggestion guides, offering real-world examples and templates for technology use policies. These guides address common issues such as inappropriate content sharing in restrooms and other sensitive areas.

Proven Strategies in Action

Digital4Good’s partner schools have implemented creative solutions to mitigate smartphone-related issues, including:

• “Phone Spas”: A Walnut Creek high school introduced classroom “phone spas,” where students deposit their devicesupon entering and retrieve them at the end of each period. This approach significantly reduced incidents of disruptive behavior.
• Yondr Pouches: A San Jose middle school adopted Yondr’s lockable phone pouches. Students lock their devices in personal pouches at the start of the day and unlock them when school ends, fostering greater focus and engagement during class.

Get Involved

To learn more about how Digital4Good can support your school in implementing phone-free policies or to request a free quote for #ICANHELP training, visit www.icanhelp.net or contact [email protected].

With the right resources and strategies, schools can help students rediscover the joy of learning, free from the distractions of constant connectivity.