Phone-Free School Act (AB 3216)
- The Requirement: The CA state government mandates local educational agencies to implement rules restricting or banning student smartphone use across the entire school day, including class time, lunch, and passing periods.
- Local Control: Rather than imposing a single statewide ban, individual school boards decide how to enforce the policy—such as requiring phones to stay zipped in backpacks, stored in lockers, or locked in magnetic pouches.
- Exemptions: Policies must allow student phone access during verified emergencies, for documented medical necessities, or when specified by an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Updates: School boards are required to review and update their adopted policies every five years.
