California wants to follow Florida and Indiana and ban the use of smartphones in schools. According to the New York Times, Gov, Gavin Newsom made the statement hours before the Los Angeles Unified School District approved a proposal to ban the use of phones in schools. He recently supported efforts to limit smartphone use in the state’s schools.
Newsom said children and teens “need to focus on their learning, not their screens,” and he would work with lawmakers to “limit smartphone use in the classroom.”
How California and other states are planning to ban cell phones in schools
Newsom explained that the new rules build on a 2019 directive he signed that allowed counties to adopt (but not mandate) phone bans. If California passes a law banning phone use during school hours, it will join Florida and Indiana, which have similar laws.
The governor also noted, agreeing with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, that social media platforms should have warning labels similar to those on alcohol and tobacco products.
Murthy emphasized that these platforms can have a significant negative impact on the mental health of young people. He explained that the designation “requires congressional action and will serve as a regular reminder to parents and teens that social media is safe.”
Florida schools are required to ban students from using cell phones in class, and some districts are extending the ban until students return home. Other states are considering similar measures.
Earlier this year, New York City declared social media a public health risk, and Gov. Kathy Hochul shared plans to push phone restrictions in schools in New York state by 2025.
Why did some members vote against the ban?
Los Angeles board members approved the phone ban proposal, but two board members voted against it. In a statement to the Times, a committee member said they voted against the proposal because it is already difficult for teachers to enforce existing restrictions in schools.
He also said it is important for parents to be able to contact their children in an emergency. He cited incidents such as school shootings that reflected the concerns of parents who have opposed phone bans in the past.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.
