Pupils: use of smartphones.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Appropriations
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill updates California law regarding smartphone use in schools. It requires school districts, county boards of education, and charter schools to develop and maintain policies to limit or prohibit smartphone use by students while at school or under supervision. The policies can be either schedule-based (restricting use at certain times) or full-day restrictions (prohibiting use entirely). The goal is to promote responsible technology use and pupil learning and well-being, while also outlining specific circumstances where smartphone use is permitted.
Key provisions
- Requires school districts to develop and update smartphone use policies by July 1, 2026.
- Allows for either schedule-based or full-day restriction policies.
- The policies should promote evidence-based smartphone practices.
- Policies must involve stakeholder participation.
- Outlines specific circumstances where smartphone use is permitted (emergencies, teacher permission, medical necessity, IEP requirements).
- Prohibits monitoring or accessing pupil online activity.
- Defines ‘full-day restriction policy’ and ‘schedule-based restriction policy’.
Who is affected
- School districts
- County boards of education
- Charter schools
- Students
- Parents
Notable changes
- Specifically authorizes schedule-based and full-day restriction policies.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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