California: Governor Newsom urges schools to immediately restrict cell phones in the classroom ahead of the new school year
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~ As students across California prepare to return to school, Governor Gavin Newsom is urging all schools in the state to immediately restrict cell phone use in classrooms. In a letter addressed to California schools, the Governor emphasized the negative impact of excessive smartphone use on students' mental health, academic performance, and social interactions.

The letter commends districts that have already implemented cell phone restrictions, such as Los Angeles Unified School District, and reminds education leaders of the risks associated with cell phone use in classrooms. These risks were highlighted in a recent Pew Research Center survey which found that 72% of high school and 33% of middle school teachers consider cell phone distractions a major problem.

Governor Newsom also referenced a study by Common Sense Media which revealed that 97% of students use their phones during the school day for an average of 43 minutes. Coupled with the U.S. Surgeon General's warning about the dangers of social media, it is clear that action needs to be taken to regulate smartphone use in schools.

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In his efforts to address this issue, Governor Newsom signed AB 272 (Muratsuchi) into law in 2019. This legislation grants school districts the authority to regulate smartphone use during school hours. However, the Governor is currently working with the California Legislature to further limit student smartphone use on campuses.

While these efforts are underway, Governor Newsom urges schools not to wait and take advantage of AB 272 now. He cites examples from districts like Santa Barbara Unified and Bullard High in Fresno where limiting smartphones has resulted in improved concentration, academic outcomes, and social interactions among students.

The Governor also recognizes LA Unified for their leadership in implementing cell phone restrictions on campus. He believes that every classroom should be a place of focus, learning, and growth and calls for collaboration between educators, administrators, and parents to create an environment free from distractions and pressures of social media.

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In other news related to Governor Newsom, he recently welcomed home California's Olympians and celebrated the success of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. He also joined the new CEO of High-Speed Rail to celebrate Caltrain's electrification, which received over $1.3 billion in state funding and is a crucial component of California's high-speed rail plan.

Additionally, Governor Newsom took action to address homelessness in Los Angeles by helping clean up multiple encampments through the state's Clean California program. This follows his recent executive order directing state agencies to address homeless encampments with dignity and compassion.

As the new school year approaches, Governor Newsom continues to prioritize the well-being and success of California's students by urging schools to restrict cell phone use in classrooms and taking action on other important issues facing the state.

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