California's Phone-Free Schools Act
Supporting Focused Learning, Student Well-Being, and Healthy Connections
California’s Phone-Free Schools Act (Assembly Bill 3216) requires school districts to adopt policies limiting or prohibiting student use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices during the school day.
Following input from CVUSD students, families, staff, and community members, the Board of Education adopted an updated Mobile Communication Devices policy for implementation beginning with the 2026–27 school year.
The policy is designed to reduce classroom distractions, support student well-being, encourage positive peer interactions, and create learning environments where all students can remain focused and engaged.
View the Board Policy HERE and the Administrative Regulation HERE.
About the Law
- Passed in 2024, the Phone-Free Schools Act requires all California schools to adopt policies limiting or prohibiting student smartphone and smartwatch use during the school day.
- CVUSD must implement this policy by July 1, 2026.
- U.S. Surgeon General's Warning on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
- California Governor Signs Legislation (Phone and Device-Free Schools Act) to Limit Phones During School Hours
Professional Organization Websites and Studies
- Away for the Day (family-focused)
- American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
- American Psychological Association Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence
- Protect Young Eyes (family-focused)
- TEDTalks: The Anxious Generation (family-focused)
- Wait Until 8th (family-focused)
- Youth Engaged For Change Tip Sheet on Social Media
About the Law
Passed in 2024, California’s Phone-Free Schools Act requires school districts to adopt policies limiting or prohibiting student smartphone use during the school day. School districts were required to adopt their policies by July 1, 2026, and review them at least once every five years.
CVUSD’s policy and administrative regulation establish device expectations by grade level, permitted exceptions, emergency procedures, and a progressive framework for addressing violations.
Policy at a Glance
Preschool Through Grade 5
Devices must be turned off or silenced, out of sight, and stored in a backpack or other designated location throughout the school day, including class time, passing periods, breaks, and lunch.
Smartwatches must be powered off or placed in airplane mode and stored. A smartwatch may be worn only when it is fully powered off or in airplane mode and unable to receive calls, messages, or notifications.
Grades 6–8
Devices must be turned off or silenced, out of sight, and stored in a backpack or other designated location throughout the school day, including class time, passing periods, breaks, and lunch.
Devices may be used before school in designated areas, after dismissal, and during certain activities outside the instructional day unless otherwise restricted by school staff.
Grades 9–12
During instructional time, devices must be turned off or silenced and stored out of sight. This expectation applies in classrooms, libraries, labs, other instructional settings, and during restroom breaks taken during class.
Finishing assigned work does not give a student permission to use a device. Devices may be used during passing periods, lunch, and breaks unless otherwise restricted for a specific activity or event.
Exceptions
Device use may be permitted:
- During an emergency or perceived threat of danger
- For documented health needs
- When required by an IEP or Section 504 Plan
- When explicitly directed by a teacher for an instructional purpose
- When authorized by a teacher or administrator, subject to reasonable limitations
Privacy Expectations
Devices may not be used in restrooms, locker rooms, or other locations where privacy is expected. Students may not photograph or record another person without that person’s clear and express permission.
During an Emergency
Students must follow staff directions and silence their devices unless otherwise instructed. During lockdowns or shelter-in-place situations, students may not record, livestream, or post information about emergency-response activities.
Families should rely on official District communications during an emergency and should not call school offices unless directed to do so.
Community Engagement Archive
CVUSD gathered feedback through:
- ThoughtExchange opportunities for families and staff
- A student survey
- Virtual community forums
- A staff informational forum
- Public Board of Education review and discussion
Then retain the October 28 and November 5 presentations below that section.
October 28, 2025 Parent Informational Night Presentation
November 5, 2025 Staff Informational Night Presentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Yes. Students may bring phones and other mobile communication devices to school, but they must be turned off and stored during the periods established by the policy.
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Smartwatches can function like smartphones (texting, calling, accessing apps) and fall under the law’s intent to reduce distractions.
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The district is exploring options such as lockable pouches, lockers, or designated classroom storage. The community input will help to guide this decision.
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The policy must be in place by July 1, 2026 and will go into effect for the 2026–2027 school year.
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Yes. Exceptions may be provided for documented health or medical needs and when required by an IEP or Section 504 Plan.
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Contact the school office. Staff will help deliver urgent or important messages to your student.
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Schools will follow established safety and emergency communication protocols. The District will communicate with families through its official notification systems.