On September 23, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB3216, the Phone-Free Schools Act, into law. By July 1, 2026, public and charter school districts and county offices of education must implement strategies to limit access to smartphones and devices during school hours. This bipartisan bill, authored by Assembly Member Josh Hoover, passed with overwhelming support.
At Splash, we’re thrilled about this milestone! One of the biggest reasons is our belief that today’s youth are missing out on the joys of outdoor play due to their reliance on smart devices. We believe kids deserve unstructured time outdoors—playing, laughing, exploring nature, and learning by doing.
This law represents a significant step forward in freeing our children from the constant distractions that dominate their days, replacing them with the wonders of the natural world. If you’re interested in learning more about breaking free from this “anxious generation” (a great book by the same title), we also recommend Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods.
A huge bravo to Assembly Member Hoover and everyone who supported this change! Together, we can help our kids get OUTSIDE!
If you’re a fan of Wildlife but can’t always make it outdoors, don’t worry—Wildlife Wednesday has got you covered! Sacramento Splash brings nature directly to your screen with a weekly dose of local wildlife wonders.
Click here to learn more about the Phone-Free Schools Act.
