www.montereycountynow.com AUGUST 13-19, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 For many, smartphones have become an important tool for everyday tasks. They can also have adverse effects, such as impacting young people’s mental health and ability to learn in the classroom. In 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed The Phone-Free School Act, or Assembly Bill 3216, requiring school districts, charter schools and county offices of education to adopt policies to limit or prohibit the use of smartphones by July 1, 2026. “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 when he signed the bill. Local educators say it’s important to limit the use of cell phones in the classroom. “It’s critical to prioritize and protect the learning process, and to limit communications that may post liability out of inappropriate use of technology,” says Esteban Hernandez, Salinas City Elementary School District’s executive director of student services. Hernandez adds the exceptions in the state policy are reasonable, which include the teacher’s permission for instructional purposes, for health reasons such as tracking glucose or blood pressure, or in case of an emergency. At SCESD, students keep their phones turned off with them at all times during the school day. The district implemented its policy in 2025, and it has not heard concerns from parents or guardians. “We haven’t seen pushback,” Hernandez says. Monterey Peninsula Unified School District had a phone-free policy before AB3216 was signed into law. “We’ve banned cell phones within the classroom instructional period many, many years ago,” Monterey High School Principal Thomas Newton says. At Monterey High, classrooms have “phone caddies” where students place their phones, and they get it back once class ends. Students have access to their cell phones during break and lunch periods. Monterey High School students face a penalty if they use their phones during class. With the first violation, they must turn their phones off. If the violations continue, they will have their phones confiscated and will be banned from having a phone on campus. Middle schools within Salinas Union High School District have been phone-free since the 2024-2025 school year. Students keep their phones at all times locked away in a Yondr pouch. According to the district’s annual survey, the Yondr Education Program has had a positive impact on campus culture, increasing student engagement in the classroom, reducing fights and improving student behavior. In June, Carmel Unified School District approved its own mobile device policy. Before adopting it, the district already had some protocols in place. High schoolers had limited use and their phones were stored during instruction. Middle and elementary students had phones turned off and stored away. Phonefree Zone Statewide bill limiting classroom smartphone use goes into effect. By Celia Jiménez Middle school students at SUHSD schools each place their smartphone in an opaque Yondr pouch that remains locked throughout the school day, including lunch and break time. NEWS “We’ve banned cell phones in class many, many years ago.” DANIEL DREIFUSS The McIntyres like to give where they live through their donor advised and company charitable funds. Turn your generosity into lasting impact. Donor Advised Funds • IRA Charitable Distributions • Charitable Estate Planning (CGAs, CRTs) • Family Philanthropy • Scholarships & More 831.375.9712 | cfmco.org | We appreciate the flexibility and support to easily give where we live and work.” – Steve and Kim McIntyre Kim and Steve McIntyre Fund and Monterey Pacific Company Fund Simplify your GIVING Steve & Kim McIntyre Insured by NCUA 1The dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) are accurate as of 07/14/2026. The dividend rate and APY may change at any time. There is no minimum balance required to earn the stated APY. The minimum deposit for the 19-month certificate special is $500. The APY is based on an assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal or transfer reduces earnings and there may be penalties for early withdrawal. This certificate is not extended to organization accounts. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Call 1-877-GOLDEN 1 (1-877-465-3361) for current rates. 0726-MTW Visit a branch, call 1-877-465-3361 or scan to learn more Limited-time offer 4.15% with a Term Savings Certificate Earn up to APY1
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==