Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, announced his support for efforts to limit the use of smartphones in schools. This comes after the Los Angeles Unified School District passed a proposal for a school phone ban.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Newsom has pledged to collaborate with lawmakers over the summer to implement restrictions on smartphone use during school hours, emphasizing that kids should prioritize their studies over screens. He also expressed his support for the US Surgeon General’s call for social media platforms to include warning labels due to their potential negative impact on teenagers’ mental health. These labels would serve as a reminder that social media is not proven to be safe. Newsom’s proposed rules are intended to build upon a 2019 directive that allows districts to adopt phone bans, even though it’s not mandatory.
If California passes a law to ban phones during school hours, it will join Florida and Indiana, which already have similar legislation in place. For instance, Florida’s schools must prohibit phone use during class time and even when students are on their way home.
TF Summary: What’s Next
Beyond the governor’s announcement, a few members of the LA board didn’t support the phone ban proposal, mentioning the challenges teachers already face in enforcing existing restrictions. There are also concerns about parents’ ability to contact their children during emergencies if phones are banned. Despite these objections, California is considering joining other states and cities in taking action to reduce smartphone use in schools.