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Digital Devices and Student Wellness

Supporting Phone-Free Learning Environments: AB 3216 (Phone-Free Schools Act)

The Ventura County Office of Education is committed to supporting our school districts in creating focused, safe, and supportive learning environments for all students.

In September 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 3216, known as the Phone-Free Schools Act. This bipartisan legislation requires every California public school district, charter school, and county office of education to develop and adopt a policy — by July 1, 2026 — that limits or prohibits student use of smartphones while on school campuses or under the supervision of school staff.

Why This Matters

Research and educator experience show that frequent smartphone use during the school day can contribute to:

  • Reduced academic focus and engagement
  • Increased distractions and disruptions
  • Impacts on student mental health and social development
  • Challenges with in-person interaction and emotional well-being

The Phone-Free Schools Act builds on these insights to help students thrive by minimizing unnecessary distractions while supporting learning and positive school culture.

Key Requirements of AB 3216

  • Policies must be developed with meaningful input from students, families, educators, and community stakeholders.
  • Policies must be reviewed and updated at least every five years.
  • Exceptions are required for emergencies, health/medical needs (as determined by a physician), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and when a teacher or administrator grants specific permission.

Resources for School Districts

The Ventura County Office of Education is here to support our districts as they develop and implement these policies. We will provide:

  • Guidance documents and best practice examples
  • Templates and stakeholder engagement tools
  • Professional learning opportunities
  • Opportunities to share successful approaches across the county

School districts are encouraged to begin planning now for full implementation by the 2026–2027 school year.

CA School Board Association Sample District Policy: BP 5131.8

Best Practices within BP 5131.8 Policies

Required Exceptions

Students may possess or use devices:

  • During emergencies or perceived threats
  • When authorized by a teacher or administrator
  • For documented health needs
  • When required by an IEP or Section 504 accommodation

These exceptions are consistent with California Education Code sections 48901.5 and 48901.7.

Privacy Protections

  • Photographing others without permission
  • Recording students or staff without authorization
  • Use that infringes on another person's privacy rights

Confiscation Procedures

Most districts in CA allow staff to temporarily confiscate devices used in violation of policy and require secure storage until returned.

1. Define "Mobile Communication Device" Broadly

Many newer policies no longer focus solely on cell phones.

Best practice is to include:

  • Smartphones
  • Smart watches
  • Earbuds and AirPods
  • Smart glasses
  • Gaming devices
  • Tablets capable of messaging
  • Any internet-connected communication device

This avoids loopholes where students shift from phones to watches or earbuds.

2. Use a Clear, Simple Rule

The most successful implementations rely on simple language.

Examples:

  • "Off and Away"
  • "Silenced and Stored"
  • "Out of Sight"

Complex rules create enforcement challenges.

3. Separate High School from Elementary/Middle School

A growing number of districts differentiate by grade span.

K–8

  • Devices remain stored for the entire school day.

High School

  • Devices stored during instructional time.
  • Limited use allowed during lunch and passing periods.

4. Emphasize Student Wellness, Not Discipline

The strongest policies begin with statements such as:

  • Supporting student learning
  • Promoting healthy technology habits
  • Increasing engagement
  • Encouraging social interaction
  • Improving student well-being

5. Build Consistent Enforcement

A common challenge is classroom-to-classroom inconsistency.

Best practice:

First Offense

  • Reminder and reteaching

Second Offense

  • Device held until end of day

Repeated Offenses

  • Parent conference
  • Behavioral intervention

Avoid making the policy primarily punitive.

6. Create Clear Parent Communication Channels

One of the biggest concerns raised by families is communication during emergencies.

Best practice messaging:

  • If a parent needs to contact a student during the school day, they should contact the school office.
  • Districts should communicate emergency procedures before implementation.

7. Include Stakeholder Engagement

AB 3216 specifically calls for meaningful participation from:

  • Students
  • Parents
  • Educators

Best practice:

  • Student focus groups
  • Parent surveys
  • Staff surveys
  • Student advisory committees
  • Site council review

Resources

American Psychological Association: (2024a). Potential risks of content, features, and functions: The science of how social media affects youth. 

Common Sense Media

UCLA: Strengthening K-12 Cellphone Policies to Support Student Learning and Well-Being: Research-Based Guidance for U.S. Education Leaders

U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory: (2023a). Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

 

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