California Orders Schools to Restrict Student Cellphone Use Amid Distractions and Anxiety
Excessive smartphone use among youth is linked to increased anxiety, depression & other mental health issues – but we have the power to intervene.
New legislation will limit the use of smartphones in classrooms without infringing on student safety. pic.twitter.com/Oly74HLN80
— California Governor (@CAgovernor) September 23, 2024
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new law on Monday. It mandates California school districts to restrict or ban student cellphone use.
California schools will all be phone free by 2026!
Governor Newsom just signed the bill. Blue states, red states, all can see that smartphones in pockets interfere with learning and socializing. Give kids 6 hours a day away from their phones.https://t.co/jYw2XH2tv4— Jonathan Haidt (@JonHaidt) September 24, 2024
The law is called the Phone-Free Schools Act. It positions California at the forefront of efforts to reduce cellphone distractions in classrooms. It also aims to promote student well-being.
A report from the global tipping point: Just last week, the Irish Medical Organization urged that kids not get smartphones till 16, and California passed a measure to limit use of algorithms in children's social media feedshttps://t.co/R9hsN1eNJohttps://t.co/fOKIsJiZox
— Jonathan Haidt (@JonHaidt) September 22, 2024
Schools must draft cellphone policies by July 1, 2026. The legislation aims to reduce smartphone-related anxiety and depression. It encourages students to focus on academics and social interactions instead of their devices.
Huge news out of California!@GavinNewsom signed the CA version of our SAFE for Kids Act, restricting addictive algorithmic social media feeds for minors.
Our law is quickly becoming the national standard! Congratulations @AGRobBonta & @NancySkinnerCA!https://t.co/U5kYTh27oF
— Senator Andrew Gounardes (@Sen_Gounardes) September 22, 2024
The law allows flexibility. Districts can decide whether to ban cellphones entirely or implement restrictions that support learning. “We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues — but we have the power to intervene,” Newsom stated.
“This new law will help students focus on academics, social development, and the world in front of them, not their screens, when they’re in school.”
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has already announced plans for an outright phone ban during school hours. It will start in January 2025. LAUSD Supt.
Alberto Carvalho mentioned discussions are ongoing. They are discussing when phones can be used in class and what qualifies as an emergency.
California restricts student cellphone use
Some exceptions will be made for students needing phones for health or educational purposes. California joins other states in this movement. Florida, Indiana, and Ohio have implemented or are planning similar measures.
In contrast, New York City officials are considering waiting to see the outcomes of restrictions in other areas before reintroducing their own ban, which was lifted in 2015. The state law does not prevent students from having phones for health reasons if prescribed by a licensed physician. Students in special education programs and those needing phones for emergencies are also exempt from the ban.
Nick Melvoin introduced the L.A. resolution. He expressed support for the new state law. He hopes it will foster a new generation focused on learning rather than digital distractions.
However, some students and parents expressed concerns. They are particularly concerned about communication during emergencies and scheduling. Madison Thacker is a senior at Van Nuys High School.
She voiced her hopes for balanced policies: “There is a big difference between using cellphones in class time as opposed to during lunch and other activities. Cellphones are part of our lives, and we need limitations but not a total ban.”
Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) introduced the bill. It passed with bipartisan support.
Despite some opposition from groups concerned about overreach, the legislation encourages districts to fine-tune their approaches to mitigate any negative impacts. As districts work to implement these new regulations, the focus will remain on balancing student safety, learning efficiency, and mental health.
