New rules in California education system: New law on student possessions

There’s been a major change for schools in Los Angeles after a ban on cell phones came into effect in half of all schools. Soon, the rules will be rolled out across California.

One LA school board was the first to introduce the cell phone ban, which will require students to surrender or lock up their devices upon entering the school. The change is not yet mandatory for all schools but around half of the schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District have followed the system.

Earlier this week LA school board president Scott Schmerelson said that he’d had minimal negative feedback on the switch, adding that most were in support of the decision.

“They understand — students shouldn’t have their phones on,” Schmerelson said. “They shouldn’t be interrupting the lessons of the teachers, but they’re worried about safety. They always mention school shootings. They always mention lockdowns. They always mention emergency situations. That’s what bothers them.”

Will the cell phone ban be enforced across California?

The recent introduction of the cell phone ban comes off the back of legislation signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Phone-Free School Act obliges every school district, charter school and county office of education to introduce new restrictions on smartphone use by by July 1, 2026.

That gives authorities plenty of time to plan the move and is designed to reduce the negative impact of cell phone use in schools. There are many reasons why students may need to take a phone with them to school but authorities are increasingly eager to limit their use during school hours.

“We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues,” Newsom explained. “But we have the power to intervene. 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.”

So far more than 70 campuses are already observing the ban on smart phones in school. Some of those were recently introduced but others had been in place for years, highlighting the disparate approach to the issue. Authorities in California will hope that schools across the state can follow suit in the months to come.

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