As schools across California welcome students back to campus, Governor Newsom is calling on all schools in the state to immediately restrict cell phones use in classrooms.
Sacramento — In a letter to California schools, Governor Gavin Newsom today called on every school district to restrict smartphone use in classrooms as the new academic year begins. In his letter, the Governor applauds districts that have already implemented cell phone restrictions, like Los Angeles Unified, and reminded education leaders of the mental health, scholastic, and social risks of cell phone use in classrooms.
In 2019, Governor Newsom signed AB 272 (Muratsuchi) into law, which grants school districts the authority to regulate the use of smartphones during school hours. Building on that legislation, he is currently working with the California Legislature to further limit student smartphone use on campuses. In June, the Governor announced efforts to restrict the use of smartphones during the school day.
A copy of the letter can be found here and below:
Dear School Leaders,
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.
Excessive smartphone use among youth is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of high school and 33% of middle school teachers report cell phone distractions as a major problem. Common Sense Media found that 97% of students use their phones during the school day for a median of 43 minutes. Combined with the U.S. Surgeon General’s warning about the risks of social media, it is urgent to provide reasonable guardrails for smartphone use in schools.
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 (Muratsuchi) 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.
Leveraging the tools of this law, I urge every school district to act now to restrict smartphone use on campus as we begin the new academic year. The evidence is clear: reducing phone use in class leads to improved concentration, better academic outcomes, and enhanced social interactions. Schools and districts, including Santa Barbara Unified and Bullard High in Fresno, have seen positive impacts of limiting smartphones on campus, with some reporting higher test scores, grades, and student engagement, and less bullying and damage to school facilities. I applaud these districts, and others like LA Unified, for their leadership.
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.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and support in making our schools the best they can be.
Sincerely,
Governor Gavin Newsom
Related Stories:
- June 27 – Bill Limiting Smartphone Use in California Schools Moves Forward
- April 4 – Bill to Limit Smartphone Use in Schools Passes Committee
7 comments
AB272 is quite sufficient – it gives school districts explicit authority to restrict cell phone use during school. Now leave it to the local school districts. There is no need for our nanny state to try, once again, to micromanage everything. Newsom’s letter is stupidly timed and obviously done for political reasons.
Sounds like Newsom is trying to be just like DeSantis….micromanage for political reasons lol
That was my first thought as well. Wish DeSantis was CA’s Governor. Newsom should secure CA border and get crime under control! Loser!
Awww… did the big great man who beat your windy biddy recall attempts trigger the snowflakes? The students who most hated it initially don’t hate it anymore. Students need to learn how to communicate again and not rely on devices. Parents need to learn to let go and let their kids grow UP. Newsom made a recommendation. Heaven forbid. Anything the man does upsets you. So triggered and such lightweights. Greatest state in the nation. And you still think you have a leg to stand on. Future President right there. California will be providing Presidents left and right soon enough. Just wait.
The issue here isn’t whether or not forgoing cellphones during school hours is beneficial. Most everyone agrees that it is. The question is whether such a decision is best left to the local authorities or be downward directed by the state.
It isn’t. School Boards waffle and sway on things all the time. it could be working and 2 parents come it to complains that little timmy can’t use a cell phone and they change it back. It’s not “nanny” state so much in this case. More like a stopped clock being right now and then.
AB272 already addresses the issue quite nicely, and gives the local school districts the latitude to develop a policy that works for them, give it a chance to work. Newsom is just doing political grandstanding to enhance his political stance/campaign for president.
Funny how this comes up at a time to detract from the Politico article regarding Newsom using $200,000 of taxpayer money to hire a photographer to chronicle his antics. But what the hell, what’s another 200K compared to the 73 BILLION dollar deficit he’s already spent California into.
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