California enacts statewide cellphone ban in schools

The Phone-Free Schools Act, a bipartisan initiative led by Assemblyman Josh Hoover, has successfully passed through the California Legislature, requiring public schools to establish policies limiting or banning smartphone use during school hours by July 1, 2026. At Dymally High School, the current policy mandates that if a student is caught with a phone, parents must retrieve it within a 30-minute window after school. Many parents reportedly support stricter regulations, emphasizing the importance of academic performance over smartphone usage. Despite the rules, some students have found creative ways to circumvent the restrictions. Reports indicate that students have been breaking into Yondr pouches, which are designed to secure phones, and even using cardboard cutouts to deceive staff. Others have resorted to bringing multiple phones or purchasing magnets to unlock their devices, charging peers for access. This behavior highlights the ongoing struggle between maintaining focus in class and the desire for connectivity during breaks. Educators, including Principal Liz Ackerman-Hicks, argue that the ban is particularly crucial for teenage girls, prompting an extension of the policy to prohibit phone use on campus before and after school. However, some students, like senior Sadie Hoodenpyle, express concerns about the implications of not being able to use their phones during emergencies, emphasizing the need for immediate communication with family during crises. As schools navigate the balance between technology use and academic integrity, the Phone-Free Schools Act aims to foster a more focused learning environment while addressing the complexities of modern communication.