California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law on Monday, restricting smartphone use in schools. The legislation addresses concerns over excessive phone usage, which experts say contributes to mental health problems and disrupts learning. This move aligns California with 13 other states that have enacted similar bans or restrictions in 2023.
The bill requires all school boards to create a policy by July 2026 that limits or bans student smartphone use. These policies must be updated every five years. The goal is to help students focus on academics and reduce time spent on screens.
Newsom’s decision follows Los Angeles County’s ban in June on smartphones for its 429,000 students. California’s law will impact nearly 5.9 million public school students. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy also raised alarms about this issue earlier in 2023. He called for a warning label on social media platforms, similar to cigarette warnings. He cited research showing that adolescents who spend over three hours daily on social media are at higher risk for mental health issues.
Governor Newsom emphasized the urgency of addressing this problem, stating, “We know excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.” He added that the law would help students stay focused on their education and social development, reducing distractions caused by screens in the classroom.
This measure reflects a growing consensus that limiting smartphone use in schools is necessary to safeguard students’ well-being and academic success.
