Castro Valley Unified School District

California has passed the Phone-Free Schools Act (AB 3216), which requires districts to limit or prohibit smartphone and smartwatch use during the school day by July 1, 2026.

CVUSD is committed to creating a policy with our families, students, and staff—together we’ll support learning, well-being, and communication.

About the Law

• Passed in 2024, the Phone-Free Schools Act requires all California schools to adopt policies limiting or prohibiting student smartphone and smartwatch use during the school day. 
• CVUSD must implement this policy by July 1, 2026.
• U.S. Surgeon General's Warning on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
• California Governor Signs Legislation (Phone and Device-Free Schools Act) to Limit Phones During School Hours

Professional Organization Websites and Studies

• Away for the Day (family-focused)
• American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
• American Psychological Association Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence
• Protect Young Eyes (family-focused)
• TEDTalks: The Anxious Generation (family-focused)
• Wait Until 8th (family-focused)
• Youth Engaged For Change Tip Sheet on Social Media