California limits smartphone use in schools over mental health concerns

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law requiring schools to restrict or ban smartphone use, aiming to address concerns about the negative effects of excessive screen time on students’ mental health. The law, which impacts nearly 5.9 million public school students, mandates that school districts implement smartphone policies by July 2026, with periodic updates. This follows similar actions in 13 other states and Los Angeles County. The initiative is backed by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who has warned of the mental health risks associated with heavy social media use among adolescents, such as anxiety and depression. Newsom emphasized the law’s goal of improving focus on academics and in-person interactions.

Source : CGTN