California Governor Gavin Newsom is urging schools across the state to limit students' cell phone use in classrooms, according to a letter he sent to schools.
The Los Angeles school district—the second largest in the U.S.—along with the Santa Barbara district, has already implemented restrictions on mobile phone use in schools.
In 2019, Newsom signed a law granting districts the authority to regulate the use of these devices during school hours.
"Excessive smartphone use among teens is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues," Newsom wrote in the letter, as cited by ABC News.
"A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of high school teachers and 33% of middle school teachers consider cell phone distractions a major problem."
"Combined with the U.S. Surgeon General's warning about the risks of social media, it is urgent to establish appropriate guardrails for smartphone use in schools," the letter continues.
Newsom also argued that reducing cell phone use in classrooms would lead to improved concentration, better academic performance, and increased social interactions.
The push to restrict cell phone use in schools comes amid growing concerns among health experts that social media is contributing to a mental health crisis among young people. In June, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy called for social media platforms to carry a warning label about the potential for significant psychological harm to adolescents.
Additionally, the state of Virginia has announced that it will restrict cell phone use in public schools from kindergarten to 12th grade, with the new rules set to take effect in 2025.
