Newsom wants to limit students’ cellphone use in schools to protect mental health.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has taken a significant step by pledging to restrict students’ smartphone use during the school day. This decision follows statements from the Biden administration highlighting the negative impact of social media on children’s mental health.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently urged Congress to mandate warning labels on social media platforms, emphasizing their detrimental effects on young people. Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, have long been vocal about the dangers of social media for children, accusing tech companies of hindering efforts to protect the youth.

Last year, Newsom urged NetChoice to drop a lawsuit against the Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, a law aimed at enhancing children’s online safety. NetChoice, representing tech giants like Meta, Amazon, and Google, advocates for internet freedom and expression.

Newsom’s latest initiative builds upon a law he signed in 2019, granting school districts authority to regulate or prohibit students’ smartphone usage during school hours. He intends to collaborate with the Democratic-controlled Legislature to pass a bill restricting smartphone use in schools.

In a statement, Newsom emphasized, “As the Surgeon General affirmed, social media is harming the mental health of our youth. When children and teens are in school, they should be focused on their studies — not their screens.”

While the California School Boards Association believes school districts should decide on smartphone regulations locally, the Los Angeles Unified School District board has already endorsed policies prohibiting students from using smartphones during the school day, except for specific circumstances.

Newsom’s stance is particularly significant given that Silicon Valley, home to numerous tech corporations, is located in California. Moreover, Newsom finds himself aligned with Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who imposed one of the strictest bans on children’s social media use earlier this year.

Although previous attempts in California to penalize social media platforms for addicting children have fallen short, State Sen. Nancy Skinner’s bill to prohibit platforms from offering addictive content to children passed the state Senate in May.

Skinner stressed the need for parental tools to safeguard children from preventable harms, emphasizing the importance of complementing Murthy’s proposal with practical solutions. Additionally, State Sen. Henry Stern introduced a bill to enhance school districts’ authority in restricting social media use for students during school hours.

Stern expressed willingness to withdraw his bill if Newsom and the Legislature present a more effective alternative, emphasizing the need for standardized regulations. The collaboration between policymakers and educators is crucial to ensure a healthy digital environment for students.

With a growing awareness of the negative impact of social media on children, Newsom’s initiative represents a significant step towards safeguarding the well-being of young individuals. By limiting smartphone use during school hours, California aims to prioritize students’ academic focus and mental health.