In a letter to all school districts in his state, Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom called on school leaders to restrict student smartphone use in classrooms as the new academic year begins.
In his letter, the governor praised districts that have already implemented smartphone restrictions and urged remaining school districts to consider the mental health, scholastic, and social risks of cell phone use in classrooms.
In his letter, the governor cited a recent Pew Research Center survey, which found that 72 percent of high school and 33 percent of middle school teachers report cell phone distractions as a major problem. The letter also mentioned research from Common Sense Media that found that 97 percent of students use their phones during the school day for a median of 43 minutes. Newsom also referenced the U.S. Surgeon General’s warning about the risks of social media, saying that “it is urgent to provide reasonable guardrails for smartphone use in schools.”
Back in 2019, Gov. Newsom signed AB 272, which grants school districts the authority to regulate the use of smartphones during school hours. Newsom told school districts that he is currently working with the state legislature to further limit student smartphone use on campus. However, he said that while his work is ongoing, there is “no reason for schools to wait.”
Newsom also claimed that schools and districts that have already implemented smartphone restrictions – specifically Santa Barbara Unified and Bullard High in Fresno – have reported higher test scores, grades, and student engagement, and less bullying and damage to school facilities.
Discussing AB 272, Newsom said the legislation was a “crucial step” in schools’ efforts to minimize distractions and foster a more conducive environment for 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,” Newsom wrote.
“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,” Newsom said. “The evidence is clear: reducing phone use in class leads to improved concentration, better academic outcomes, and enhanced social interactions.”
