In a significant move to safeguard student mental health, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a groundbreaking law that restricts or bans smartphone use in schools. This legislation addresses growing concerns about the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on young minds.
The new law affects nearly 5.9 million public school students across the state and mandates that school districts develop policies limiting smartphone access by July 1, 2026. These policies will be reviewed and updated every five years to ensure they remain effective and relevant.
California joins thirteen other states this year in taking similar actions, following Florida's lead in banning phones in classrooms. A notable example of proactive measures is Los Angeles County, where smartphones were banned for its 429,000 students in June.
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has also weighed in on the issue, advocating for warning labels on social media platforms. Murthy likened the situation to a mental health emergency, citing a study published in the journal JAMA. The research, which involved 6,595 U.S. adolescents, found that spending over three hours daily on social media significantly increases the risk of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.
Governor Newsom emphasized that the law aims to help students concentrate on their studies and engage more in real-world social interactions. He stated that excessive smartphone use leads to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, and this new legislation will help students \"focus on the world in front of them.\"
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California limits smartphone use in schools over mental health worries
cgtn.com
