California Governor Seeks to Limit Phone Use in Schools to Keep Students Focused

The governor said he will work with the California legislature to restrict smartphone use during the school day.

Students hold multiple digital devices such as phones and tablets during a class lesson in this undated file photograph. LBeddoe/Shutterstock

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Tuesday that he intends to restrict the use of phones in schools following Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s warning about the mental health risks associated with social media.

“As the Surgeon General affirmed, social media is harming the mental health of our youth,” the governor said in a statement on June 18.