BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A new policy that proposes to ban smartphones for Bakersfield City School District students is set to be heard for the first time on Tuesday, according to the Board of Education meeting agenda.
Assembly Bill 3216, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September of 2024, requires California school districts to adopt a policy that limits or bans students from using smartphones during school days by July 1, 2026.
The Board discussed community members’ feedback regarding a potential smartphone policy during its meeting Nov. 18.
New Bakersfield City School District policy restricting smartphone use for students in the works
Most parents and school district staff were supportive of a partial or complete ban on phones, expressing concern about phone use harming students’ learning and social skills, while many students said they believed phone use didn’t affect their education…