California school districts will soon be required to establish rules limiting student smartphone use under a new law signed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday.

The legislation aims to reduce distractions in the classroom and address the mental health impacts of social media on children, joining other states like Florida, Louisiana, and Indiana in restricting student phone access at school.

“This new law will help students focus on academics, social development, and the world in front of them, not their screens, when they’re in school,” Newsom said.

However, critics argue that enforcing phone restrictions should not fall on teachers and worry the rules may hinder students from seeking help in emergencies. Others believe individual districts should make decisions regarding phone bans.

Troy Flint, spokesperson for the California School Boards Association, expressed support for districts that have independently imposed restrictions, but he opposed the statewide mandate.

Under the law, districts must create policies by July 1, 2026, limiting or banning student phone use on campus or during school activities. These policies must be reviewed every five years.

The law builds on Newsom’s 2019 legislation allowing districts to restrict student phone use and follows a recent push for action after the U.S. Surgeon General called for warning labels on social media’s impact on youth.

Assemblymember Josh Hoover, who co-authored the bill, said phone restrictions are already in place where his children attend school, noting that while students may dislike the policy, it reflects the addictive nature of smartphones.