These limitations are the result of studies and suggestions regarding the use of cellphones by students in high school and below during class hours. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, 70% of high school teachers believed that cellphone usage was a serious issue, and 60% said that enforcing cellphone policies was extremely or somewhat difficult.

June 29, 2007, saw the release of the iPhone, which marked the beginning of the smartphone era that almost all K–12 students are a part of today.

Nevertheless, there will likely be significant restrictions on students' access to their devices during the school day. New cellphone policies are being adopted by an increasing number of education leaders and legislators, with the consensus in the discourse clearly favoring more stringent regulations. They contend that limiting access will improve students' learning and mental health.

List of US States Where Have Banned Smartphones in Schools
US States That Have Banned Smartphones in Schools

California becomes 15th US state to limit smartphones in schools

The new legislation, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, mandates that schools in California restrict or prohibit the use of smartphones by students.

California, a US state, recently passed a bill that would make it illegal or severely restrict students' use of cellphones in school. Reuters reports that on Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom of California signed a bill into law. A rising movement to restrict students' use of cell phones in the classroom has led to the passage of this legislation in California. Twelve or more states have passed legislation along these lines in the last year.

By July 1, 2026, school districts and other governing bodies are obligated to establish a policy that restricts or outright bans the use of smartphones by students on school property, as per the Phone-Free Schools Act. Every five years, they must revise the policy in accordance with the law.

Five and a half million Californians attend public schools. Its decision is a direct replication of that of Los Angeles County, wherein 429,000 students were hit with a smartphone ban in June by the local school board.

Full List of US States That Have Banned Smartphones in Schools

California is now the fifteenth state to prohibit or regulate smartphones in classrooms thanks to the new legislation. In fourteen other states, cell phone use in schools has already been outlawed, restricted, or encouraged by local educators. Among them are:

South Carolina

Delaware

Pennsylvania

Arkansas

Ohio

Indiana

Oklahoma

Florida

Louisiana

Alabama

Connecticut

Minnesota

Virginia

Washington

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