Gov. Gavin Newsom Pushes for Cell Phone Restrictions In Schools

In a letter to Californian school districts on Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom called for a new restriction on cell phones in classes, citing the mental health, scholastic, and social risks of cell phone use in classrooms.

In recent years, cell phone bans in California schools have been on the rise. Spurred by the passage of AB 272 in 2019, which gave school districts the authority to regulate the use of smartphones during school hours, cell phone restrictions began to enter more and more school districts. In 2022, the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) became the first major district in the state to pass a total ban. A number of other schools also implemented independent bans not associated with school districts, including many private schools and individual public schools.

However, it was the ban passed by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) in June that really kicked things off. LA’s ban, which is a district-wide cell phone ban during school hours, is set to begin next year. But their action spurred Governor Newsom only two days later to reverse his previous course and begin pushing for a statewide cell phone ban in schools during school hours. The LAUSD ban also brought about dozens of more ban proposals across the state, including the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) now looking into more possible bans and restrictions.

However, on Tuesday, Newsom gave a new push on cell phones, revealing he is currently working with the state Legislature on more restrictive statewide ban, as well for calling every district in the state to institute restrictions of some kind.

“As we strive to create the best learning environment for all students this new academic year, I write today to raise an urgent issue that affects their well-being: the pervasive use of smartphones in schools,” said Newsom in his letter.

“Excessive smartphone use among youth is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of high school and 33% of middle school teachers report cell phone distractions as a major problem. Common Sense Media found that 97% of students use their phones during the school day for a median of 43 minutes. Combined with the U.S. Surgeon General’s warning about the risks of social media, it is urgent to provide reasonable guardrails for smartphone use in schools.

“As I work with the Legislature to further limit student smartphone use on campus, there is no reason for schools to wait. In 2019, I signed AB 272 (Muratsuchi) into law, which grants school districts the authority to regulate the use of smartphones during school hours. This legislation was a crucial step in our efforts to minimize distractions and foster a more conducive environment for our 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.

“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. The evidence is clear: reducing phone use in class leads to improved concentration, better academic outcomes, and enhanced social interactions. Schools and districts, including Santa Barbara Unified and Bullard High in Fresno, have seen positive impacts of limiting smartphones on campus, with some reporting higher test scores, grades, and student engagement, and less bullying and damage to school facilities. I applaud these districts, and others like LA Unified, for their leadership.

“Every classroom should be a place of focus, learning, and growth. Working together, educators, administrators, and parents can create an environment where students are fully engaged in their education, free from the distractions on the phones and pressures of social media.”

New calls for a state cell phone ban in schools

However, as experts warned the Globe on Tuesday, it is easier said than done.

“Newsom in underestimating just how not simple this is going to be,” said child psychologist Dr. Stacy Powers to the Globe on Tuesday. “Pouches, lockers, other methods. There is no good solution. Students will get creative very fast to keep their phones on them. They’ll claim imminent medical emergencies. Waiting on urgent calls. They’ll find new ways to hide them during class. They’ll bring a bricked or not working cell phone on them, put them in a pouch or locker, and keep the working one on them.

“I’m not sure I would compare it to addicts, but I would say this is like sneaking things in through a prison or rehab facility. When there is a will there is a way. So schools will really need the strictest possible punishments and then act on them to make this be effective. The genie is out of the bottle with phones, but you also can’t embrace the madness. But try telling kids glued to TikTok or other social media platforms that they are doing this for their benefit.

“We don’t need a vague overview of banning like what Newsom wrote today. We need a list of the most effective ways to do this. There’s one proposal out there where, if a student gets caught with one so many times, they will either be blocked from going to state colleges and universities, or they would have to pay the out of state costs. Or they would be ineligible for state scholarships. Or they are barred from schools sports or clubs for a week or two for each use. Something drastic. Other proposals are more like a slap on the wrist.

“We need solutions, and all Newsom offered are reasons for it to happen and asking schools to do it. He’s only fighting half the battle.

“Santa Barbara’s ban statistics and LAUSD’s when they become available will be a valuable guide, but Newsom forgot we are still in somewhat uncharted territory with bans right now. The state needs to give consequences or consequence suggestions for repeated use during banned hours, so students are less likely to try and get away with using it during school hours.”

More on proposed school cell phone bans, including the mentioned new legislation, is to come out soon.