SAN DIEGO — California Gov. Gavin Newsom is urging school districts to limit students' use of smartphones on campus as the academic year begins.
In a letter sent to school leaders on Tuesday, Newsom cited the troubling impacts of excessive smartphone use among young people and applauded districts that have already taken action to prevent students from using cellphones during the school day.
"The evidence is clear: reducing phone use in class leads to improved concentration, better academic outcomes, and enhanced social interactions," Newsom wrote in the letter.
In 2019, Newsom signed a law granting school districts authority to regulate the use of smartphones during school hours. Though he is looking to take that law further, he said "there is no reason for schools to wait."
"Excessive smartphone use among youth is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues," Newsom wrote. "A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of high school and 33% of middle school teachers report cell phone distractions as a major problem."
Newsom is not the only leader calling for districts to take action on smartphones. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in June said schools should make classroom learning and social time "phone-free experiences."
The school board at California's largest district, Los Angeles Unified, moved this summer to ban cellphones all day on campus. Newsom said some schools have reported less bullying along with higher test scores, grades and student engagement after limiting smartphones.
"Every classroom should be a place of focus, learning, and growth," Newsom said in the letter. "Working together, educators, administrators, and parents can create an environment where students are fully engaged in their education, free from the distractions on the phones and pressures of social media."
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