California Governor Gavin Newsom announced his plans to collaborate with the state legislature to limit smartphone use in schools, in response to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s concerns about the negative impact of social media on mental health.
“Social media is having detrimental effects on the mental well-being of our youth,” stated Governor Newsom on June 18.
The Governor expressed his commitment to working with the California legislature to enforce restrictions on smartphone usage during school hours. This initiative aligns with a bill he previously endorsed in 2019, granting school districts the authority to regulate students’ smartphone use.
“During school hours, students should be concentrating on their studies rather than their screens,” emphasized Governor Newsom.
The bill, known as AB272, empowers school districts to impose limitations or bans on smartphone usage within school premises, with exceptions made for emergencies or safety concerns.
This decision follows Surgeon General Murthy’s recent call for social media platforms to include warning labels regarding their impact on teenagers, similar to those found on tobacco products. Dr. Murthy emphasized the need for a congressional mandate to implement a surgeon general’s warning label on social media, underscoring the mental health risks associated with excessive social media use.
Statistics reveal that adolescents spending more than three hours daily on social media are at a heightened risk of developing anxiety and depression, reinforcing the urgency of addressing this issue.
As of the 2021-2022 academic year, over 76 percent of public schools across the United States had implemented restrictions on non-academic cellphone use, reflecting a nationwide effort to address this issue.
States like Florida and Indiana have already taken steps to regulate smartphone use in schools, signaling a broader trend towards promoting a healthier learning environment for students.
This collaborative effort between Governor Newsom, the California legislature, and health officials underscores the importance of prioritizing students’ well-being and academic focus in educational settings.
Micaela Ricaforte and Savannah Hulsey Pointer contributed to this report.
Please rewrite this sentence.
Source link
