This law builds on AB 272 (2019), which authorized, rather than mandated, LEAs to adopt such policies. AB 3216 includes limited exceptions for student cellphone use including in case of an emergency or in response to a perceived threat of danger; the student’s individual education program requires possession or use of a smartphone; a medical professional has determined that the possession or use of a smartphone is necessary for a student’s health or well-being; or a teacher or administrator grants permission to use or possess a smartphone, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator. While AB 3216 requires LEAs to develop policies limiting smartphone use, they determine locally the extent of such limitation and how to implement these policies.

The prevalence of smartphones in schools presents a number of social and educational challenges. According to Gov. Newsom, “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.” Pew Research polls report significant support for limiting phone use on campuses. A 2024 survey found that 68 percent of adults support prohibiting cellphone use during middle and high school classes, and 36 percent support an additional ban on use during lunch periods and between classes. Those in favor of limiting or prohibiting use cite numerous reasons for their support: limiting distractions (98 percent of respondents), encouraging development of better social skills (91 percent), limiting cheating (85 percent) and reducing bullying (70 percent). High school teachers in particular report that smartphones are obstacles in the classroom, with 72 percent of high school teachers surveyed stating that phones are a major problem.