Schools brace for cell phone ban

Starting July 2026, schools in California will implement a ban or restriction on cell phone use, raising concerns among educators about enforcement and potential disciplinary measures. Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted the need for this change, stating: “You got a crisis in this country that predated COVID … issues of social isolation.” With approximately 95% of teenagers having access to cell phones, the challenge lies in ensuring compliance without confiscating devices, which could lead to liability issues. Los Angeles USD board member Nick Melvoin expects about 95% of students to adhere to the new rules. While some schools, like those in Santa Barbara, have seen positive outcomes from being phone-free, UCLA psychology professor John Piacentini cautioned that “Cold turkey is going to be quite difficult for a lot of these kids.”