Why this is important
Excessive smartphone use among teens is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of high school and 33% of middle school teachers say cell phone distractions are a major problem. Common Sense Media found that 97% of students use their phones for an average of 43 minutes during the school day. Combined with the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services’ warning about the risks of social media, there is an urgent need to create common sense safeguards for smartphone use in schools.
Support for smartphone-free classrooms
Representative Josh Hoover: “I appreciate the leadership of Governor Newsom and our bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who worked together to make the Phone-Free Schools Act a reality. AB 3216 is a huge win for protecting and improving the mental health and academic achievement of students across California,” said Assemblyman Josh Hoover. “Research continues to show the potential harms of smartphone use in children. Increasing use of these devices in a child’s daily life can lead to lower test scores, anxiety, depression, and even suicide. I am proud that our state is taking action to limit smartphone use during the school day and protect children from these harms.”
MP Al Muratsuchi, Chairman of the Assembly’s Education Committee: “I thank the Governor for signing AB 3216. California school districts should restrict student smartphone use on campus during school hours unless authorized by teachers or administrators for academic, emergency, or other purposes. In 2019, I authored House Bill 272 to encourage school districts to consider such restrictions. Since then, a growing body of research shows that excessive smartphone use not only interferes with learning, but also contributes to anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying among teens. All school districts should develop their own appropriate policies to balance appropriate student smartphone use in school with curbing the impact of excessive smartphone use on students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.”
Tony Thurmond, Secretary of State for Public Education: “AB 3216 represents an important opportunity to improve the mental health of our students by restricting smartphones in schools. I have spoken directly with our students, parents and teachers as we explore the need for this important change. I will continue to ensure that we hear the voices of our young people, their families and our hard-working school staff as we implement smartphone restrictions statewide.”
Nationwide efforts to promote youth mental health
California is transforming its entire mental health and substance abuse system, with a particular focus on youth. For the youngest Californians, Governor Newsom developed the Children’s Mental Health Master Plan to provide greater access to mental health and substance abuse supports for every Californian ages 0-25. The Master Plan also includes the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), a historic investment by the State of California that takes a holistic approach to address the factors that contribute to the mental health and well-being of our children and youth.
