California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, made an announcement on Tuesday regarding his plans to limit students’ cellphone use during school hours. This decision was influenced by statements from the Biden administration highlighting the negative impact of social media on children’s mental health. The U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has also called for warning labels on social media platforms to alert users about the potential harm, similar to the warnings on cigarettes and alcohol.
Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, have been vocal about the dangers of social media on children for years. They believe that tech companies have obstructed efforts to protect young people from these negative effects. In 2022, Newsom urged NetChoice to drop a lawsuit against the Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, a law focused on children’s online safety. NetChoice, representing tech giants like Meta, Amazon, and Google, advocates for free expression and enterprise on the internet.
The governor intends to build upon a law signed in 2019 that granted school districts the authority to regulate or prohibit students’ cellphone use during school hours. He expressed his plans to collaborate with the Democratic-controlled Legislature to pass a measure restricting smartphone use in schools. Newsom emphasized the importance of focusing on studies rather than screens while children and teens are in school.
The California School Boards Association believes that decisions regarding smartphone regulations in schools should be made at the local level by school districts, rather than by the state. They support legislation that empowers school leaders to establish policies that address community concerns and support students.
The Los Angeles Unified School District board recently voted to implement policies prohibiting students from using smartphones during the school day, except for certain exceptions. Board Member Nick Melvoin highlighted the excessive use of cellphones by students and the need for coherent enforcement of regulations.
Newsom’s initiative is significant given that California’s Silicon Valley is home to numerous tech companies. His decision aligns him with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, who implemented strict bans on children’s social media usage earlier this year. California has previously considered proposals to penalize social media platforms for addicting children, with State Sen. Nancy Skinner’s bill to restrict addictive feeds passing the state Senate in May.
State Sen. Henry Stern introduced a bill to expand school districts’ authority to limit social media use among students during school hours. He expressed willingness to withdraw his bill if Newsom and the Legislature develop a more effective solution. Stern emphasized the need for government intervention to establish clear guidelines for teachers, schools, and parents regarding social media use.
In conclusion, Governor Gavin Newsom’s efforts to restrict students’ smartphone use during school hours reflect a growing concern over the negative impact of social media on children’s mental health. Collaborative efforts between state officials, legislators, and school boards are essential to address this issue and protect the well-being of young individuals.