North Sacramento Today

The Assembly Education Committee unanimously passed a bill to limit smartphone use in schools authored by Assemblymembers Josh Hoover and Al Muratsuchi. AB 3216 aims to require California school districts to adopt a policy by July 1, 2026, restricting smartphone use during the school day. The bill was approved with a unanimous 7-0 vote.

Assemblyman Josh Hoover stated, "This is an incredible first step toward protecting and improving the mental health and academic outcomes of students across California." He emphasized the potential harms of smartphone use among children, including lower test scores, anxiety, depression, and suicide risks.

Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, a joint author of the bill and Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, expressed his support for the legislation. He highlighted the importance of balancing appropriate smartphone use with curbing the negative impacts on students' educational, social, and emotional well-being.

Research has shown that limiting smartphone use in schools can enhance social interaction, reduce bullying, and improve academic performance. A study from 2016 indicated that removing smartphones from classrooms led to a six percent increase in standardized test scores, with significant improvements for low-achieving students.

The bill aims to address concerns raised by experts like NYU social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, who outlined the potential harms of excessive smartphone use in children. AB 3216 is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding students from these risks and fostering a healthier school environment.

Josh Hoover represents Assembly District 7, covering several cities and communities in California.