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Antioch Unified to implement cell phone policy alongside California Assembly Bill 3216 in 2026–27
Summary
Antioch Unified announced that California Assembly Bill 3216 will take effect in the 2026–2027 school year and the district will institute a new cell phone policy aimed at reducing classroom distraction; the announcement cites research on learning and emotional well-being as justification.
An Antioch Unified official announced that California Assembly Bill 3216 will be in effect in the 2026–2027 school year and that the district will implement a new cell phone policy alongside the state measure.
The official said the change is prompted by research and student feedback. "Did you know that according to multiple studies, a majority of high schoolers agree that cell phone use is distracting them during class time?" the speaker said, adding that "a substantial body of research underscores the negative consequences on student learning and emotional well-being when students have access to cell phones during school." The announcement did not cite specific studies by name.
District leaders framed the local policy as an effort to reduce in-class distractions and support instruction. "Our new policy in the upcoming school year is designed to help students learn more by turning their phones off and turning their brains on," the official said. The message described the policy as accompanying AB 3216 rather than replacing it; it said both the state bill and the district policy will be in effect in 2026–27.
The announcement did not include details on enforcement, disciplinary steps, exceptions, or any required board vote. It also did not identify the specific studies referenced, or provide contact information for further questions. Next procedural steps were not specified in the message.
