Inside California Education Episode 604: School’s In, Phones Off
See how San Mateo High School in Northern California is helping students focus by locking their cell phones away during the school day. The idea was initially proposed by teachers at the school in 2019.
TV Series: Inside California Education
Published Date: 09/24/2025
Season: 6
Episode: 604
Cellphones in Schools: Learn about California state laws and policies
California enacted a new law in 2024 (Assembly Bill 3216) requiring every school district, charter school and county office of education in the state to adopt a policy limiting or banning the use of smartphones by July 1, 2026. Education Week tracks the status across the county of state laws and policies on cellphones in schools.
Watch the full episode
Inside California Education Full Episode 604 School’s In, Phones Off — Teacher of the Year (2025) — A Walk Through History — Serving up Education 26:46
