California becomes latest US state to ban or restrict smartphones in schools

The US’ California has become the latest to join the league of 13 states to ban or restrict the use of smartphones in schools or are in the process of doing so. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law on Monday (Sep 23) regarding the same.

The decision came amid a growing consensus that excess usage of smartphones can lead to an increase in mental illness and impaired learning.

A wave of similar bans or restrictions was seen in the US when 13 states either recommended local educators to ban cell phones in schools or actually did it. The trend was spearheaded by Florida, which banned phones in classrooms in 2023, according to Education Week.

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California’s bill on banning or restriction of cellphones was passed 76-0 in the state assembly and 38-1 in the senate. It will now require school boards or other concerned governing bodies to develop a policy to limit or prohibit the use of smartphones on campus by 1 July 2026, and also update the policy every five years.

"We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, 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," Newsom said in a statement.

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With nearly 5.9 million public schools, California had followed the lead of its own Los Angeles County, whose school board banned smartphones for its 429,000 students in June. In the same month, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for a warning label on social media platforms similar to those on cigarette packages.

Murthy equates the problem to a mental health emergency. He cited a study in the medical journal JAMA showing adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media may be at heightened risk of mental illness while referring to a Gallup poll showing the average teen spends 4.8 hours per day on social media.

(With inputs from agencies)