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In a strong appeal to California school districts, Governor Gavin Newsom has called for immediate action to restrict smartphone use in classrooms as the new academic year begins. In a letter sent Aug. 13, Newsom urged education leaders to implement stricter controls on smartphones, emphasizing the growing concerns about their impact on students’ mental health, academic performance, and social development.
Newsom praised districts that have already taken steps to curb smartphone use, such as the Los Angeles Unified School District, and reminded school leaders of the authority granted to them under AB 272, a law he signed in 2019. This legislation allows school districts to regulate smartphone use during school hours, a measure intended to minimize distractions and create a more conducive learning environment.
“As we strive to create the best learning environment for all students this new academic year, I write today to raise an urgent issue that affects their well-being: the pervasive use of smartphones in schools,” Newsom stated in his letter. He highlighted the alarming findings from a recent Pew Research Center survey, which revealed that 72% of high school and 33% of middle school teachers report cell phone distractions as a significant problem. Additionally, a study by Common Sense Media found that 97% of students use their phones during the school day, with a median usage time of 43 minutes.
Newsom also pointed to the recent warning from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy about the risks of social media on young people’s mental health. Murthy has called for Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
The Governor’s letter comes as part of a broader effort to limit smartphone use in schools across the state. In June, Newsom announced plans to further restrict smartphone use during the school day, working closely with the California Legislature to develop additional measures. These efforts are part of a nationwide trend, with states like South Carolina, Utah, and Florida also considering or implementing similar restrictions.
However, enforcing smartphone bans in schools has proven to be challenging. Students often find ways to bypass the rules, such as hiding their phones in their laps during class. Additionally, some parents have expressed concerns that these bans could limit their ability to communicate with their children in case of emergencies.
Despite these challenges, Newsom is urging schools not to wait for new legislation to take action. “School districts must take full advantage of this law to address the growing concerns surrounding student well-being and academic performance,” he wrote. “Reducing phone use in class leads to improved concentration, better academic outcomes, and enhanced social interactions.”
Newsom cited positive examples from schools and districts across the state that have successfully implemented smartphone restrictions. Schools like Santa Barbara Unified and Bullard High in Fresno have reported significant improvements in student engagement, higher test scores, and a decrease in bullying and damage to school facilities since limiting smartphone use on campus.
“Every classroom should be a place of focus, learning, and growth,” Newsom emphasized. “Working together, educators, administrators, and parents can create an environment where students are fully engaged in their education, free from the distractions of phones and the pressures of social media.”
The Governor’s call to action comes at a critical time as social media use among young people continues to rise. Studies show that up to 95% of teenagers and 40% of children aged 8-12 are on social media platforms. While social media can provide benefits, such as connecting marginalized youth and offering identity-affirming content, it also poses significant risks. These include exposure to harmful content, such as body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, and even suicide-related content. Moreover, excessive social media use has been linked to poor mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
A recent survey of teenagers revealed that, on average, they spend 3.5 hours a day on social media, with many feeling “addicted” to certain platforms. The risks associated with this level of usage are particularly concerning, given that children and adolescents are in a vulnerable period of brain development.
The Governor’s letter concludes with a call for a multifaceted approach to address the challenges posed by social media and smartphone use among young people. He emphasized that the responsibility should not fall solely on parents and children but should involve policymakers, technology companies, researchers, and educators working together to create safer and healthier environments for youth.
