Skip to content
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Happy News

The Phone Policy That’s Changing California Classrooms Forever

Governor Gavin Newsom signed groundbreaking legislation requiring every California school district, charter school, and county office of education to limit or prohibit smartphone use on campus by July 2026, marking a major victory for student mental health and academic success. The Phone-Free School Act responds to overwhelming research showing that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among young people, with a recent survey finding that 72% of high school teachers and 33% of middle school teachers report cell phone distractions as a major classroom problem. Common Sense Media research revealed that an astonishing 97% of students use their phones during the school day for a median of 43 minutes, creating constant distractions that interfere with learning and meaningful in-person connections with classmates and teachers. The bipartisan legislation supports the growing movement to help students focus on academics, social development, and the world in front of them rather than their screens, while still allowing phone use during emergencies, medical situations, or when approved by teachers for educational purposes.

Schools will work with students, parents, and educators to develop policies that meet the unique needs of their communities, with many districts already implementing “off and away” approaches where students keep phones in backpacks throughout the school day. Youth advocates are celebrating the change because online conflicts that start on social media often escalate into in-person fights at school, with Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley’s executive director noting that young people say things online they would never say face to face. The new law addresses the U.S. Surgeon General’s warning about social media risks and provides reasonable guardrails for smartphone use while protecting students’ ability to communicate with parents in genuine emergencies or health situations. Some students like fourth grader Victoria Limon are already concerned that classmates who rely on phones for answers may fall behind later, saying students need to learn the material themselves instead of cheating their way through difficult subjects.

Source: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/09/23/governor-newsom-signs-legislation-to-limit-the-use-of-smartphones-during-school-hours/

PrevPreviousThe Cancer Survival Number That’s Making History

Recent Articles

Happy News

The Newest Barbie Doll Is Making History

January 19, 2026

Mattel has introduced its first autistic Barbie doll after spending over 18 months working closely with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to create a toy that authentically represents how some autistic people experience the world. The new doll features thoughtful details including eyes that shift slightly to the side to

Read More
Happy News

He Served 11 Years In Prison, Then He Bought One

January 19, 2026

Kerwin Pittman was just 18 years old when he was sent to prison for conspiracy to commit murder, spending 11 years and six months behind bars before his release eight years ago. During his time in prison, Pittman witnessed firsthand the struggles that awaited his fellow inmates upon release, watching

Read More
Happy News

Hockey’s Fluffiest World Record Just Got Shattered

January 19, 2026

The Hershey Bears hockey team has shattered their own world record in the most heartwarming way possible, collecting an incredible 102,343 teddy bears and stuffed animals during their annual Teddy Bear Toss event. The sold out crowd of 10,514 fans waited patiently until forward Mike Sgarbossa scored the first goal

Read More
« Previous Next »
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2026 HappyNews.