California restricts smartphone use in schools due to concerns over mental health
California Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted a law aimed at restricting or prohibiting smartphone usage in schools due to growing worries about the impact of excessive screen time on students' mental well-being. The new legislation will influence approximately 5.9 million public school students and mandates that districts establish relevant policies by July 1, 2026.
TroibNews 
California Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted legislation mandating schools to limit or prohibit smartphone usage, responding to escalating concerns regarding the effects of excessive screen time on students' mental well-being. This initiative follows similar measures adopted by thirteen other states this year, inspired by Florida's decision to ban phones in classrooms.
The law, which garnered extensive support within both the state assembly and senate, impacts nearly 5.9 million public school students across California. It requires school districts to develop policies that restrict smartphone access by July 1, 2026, with revisions mandated every five years.
This initiative is consistent with recent policies implemented in Los Angeles County, where smartphones were banned for 429,000 students in June. During the same month, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for warning labels on social media platforms, likening the current situation to a mental health crisis.
Murthy referenced a study published in JAMA, which indicated that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media are at "a heightened risk for mental health problems." The research, which involved 6,595 adolescents in the U.S., highlighted a direct link between social media use and rising rates of internalizing issues.
Newsom remarked that the intent of this law is to aid students in concentrating on their studies and social connections, asserting that excessive smartphone usage contributes to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. He believes this new legislation will help students "focus on the world in front of them."
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
The law, which garnered extensive support within both the state assembly and senate, impacts nearly 5.9 million public school students across California. It requires school districts to develop policies that restrict smartphone access by July 1, 2026, with revisions mandated every five years.
This initiative is consistent with recent policies implemented in Los Angeles County, where smartphones were banned for 429,000 students in June. During the same month, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for warning labels on social media platforms, likening the current situation to a mental health crisis.
Murthy referenced a study published in JAMA, which indicated that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media are at "a heightened risk for mental health problems." The research, which involved 6,595 adolescents in the U.S., highlighted a direct link between social media use and rising rates of internalizing issues.
Newsom remarked that the intent of this law is to aid students in concentrating on their studies and social connections, asserting that excessive smartphone usage contributes to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. He believes this new legislation will help students "focus on the world in front of them."
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
