Gov. Gavin Newsom calls for smartphone restrictions in California schools

Gov. Gavin Newsom has called on school districts statewide to restrict smartphone use in classrooms as the new academic year begins.

Newsom also applauded school districts like L.A. Unified, which have already implemented measures to restrict students’ use of smartphones during school hours.

“As I work with the Legislature to further limit student smartphone use on campus, there is no reason for schools to wait. In 2019, I signed AB 272 into law , which grants school districts the authority to regulate the use of smartphones during school hours. This legislation was a crucial step in our efforts to minimize distractions and foster a more conducive environment for our students to learn. It is imperative that school districts take full advantage of this law to address the growing concerns surrounding student well-being and academic performance,” Newsom wrote in the letter.

In June, Newsom announced that he was working with the state legislature to restrict students’ use of smartphones during the school day.

However, some parents who want their children to have cellphone access for safety and communication reasons are against such restrictions. Other school officials previously told the L.A. Times that such measures would also be difficult to enforce.

In the letter, the governor also cited studies from the Pew Research Center and Common Sense Media, which overall found that excessive cell phone use among students can lead to increased mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

“Every classroom should be a place of focus, learning, and growth. Working together, educators, administrators, and parents can create an environment where students are fully engaged in their education, free from the distractions on the phones and pressures of social media,” Newsom wrote.

The full letter can be viewed here.

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