California has joined the race to limit smartphone use in schools. On Monday, the governor of California authorized a law demanding that state schools enact rules to limit students’ cell phone use by 2026.
Under the new law signed on Monday by the state’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, California school districts will have to enact new rules and guidelines restricting students from using cell phones and smart devices.
The new legislation AB 272, titled the Phone-Free School Act, requires school districts to implement smartphone bans or restrictions before July 2026. The law requires that smartphones be banned on campus or supervised by staff. School districts will also have to update their guidelines and policies every five years.
The authors stated: “Extended studies have demonstrated that the use of smartphones in classrooms can detract from students’ academic performances while contributing to higher rates of academic dishonesty and cyberbullying.” “In consideration of California’s deficiency when it comes to academic performance, as compared to other states, it is imperative for the legislature to take action to resolve this issue.”
California is the latest state to the race to limit students’ screen time on campus. The new law is a means to reduce distractions in the classroom and address the mental health impacts of social media on children.
Newsom stated: “We know that excessive smartphone use increases depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues – but we have the power to intervene.” “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.”
Several states, including Florida, Louisiana, and Indiana passed similar bills with the aim of limiting students usage of smart phone on campus. Likewise, Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York stated in May that she would back the ban on smartphones in state schools. Even the second-largest school district in the United States, voted to ban cellphones use by students during school days starting from January.
Critics of the smartphone restriction policies say the burden shouldn’t fall on teachers to ensure them. Others also expressed concerns that the rules will make it challenging to for students to seek help in case of emergency. Some also argue that schools should be allowed to enact their own smartphone restriction policies.
A spokesperson for the California School Boards Association, Troy Flint stated, “We support those districts that have already acted independently to implement restrictions.” “We simply oppose the mandate.”
