Newsom urges schools to restrict smartphone use in statewide letter
Briefly

Excessive smartphone use is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and mental health issues among students. Gov. Gavin Newsom urged educators to restrict cell phone use on campus citing concerns and evidence of negative impacts.
Newsom supported legislation in 2019 allowing schools to limit phone use; he plans to build on this AB 272 law to further restrict students' cell phone use. Schools like Santa Barbara Unified and Los Angeles Unified have already implemented smartphone restrictions.
Evidence shows that reducing phone use in class leads to enhanced concentration, academic outcomes, and social interactions. Newsom urged schools not to wait for legislative changes to act on limiting student smartphone use.
While some schools like San Mateo High have adopted phone-free policies, others like Livermore Valley Joint Unified prioritize educating students on responsible phone use. Bay Area schools remain divided on expanding smartphone restrictions.
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