SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Governor Gavin Newsom praised Santa Barbara Unified for taking the lead in restricting cellphone use in the classroom.

ShaKenya Edison, assistant director of student and family services, said it was flattering to be considered a model.

“It was very well received, the parents were happy that we were tackling it, because it also represents a challenge for life at home.”

The district conducted a soft rollout of what it calls “Off and Away” in January 2022.

“Our parents have been instrumental in making Off and Away happen, we have hosted webinars,” said Edison.

Governor Newsom is not required to pass a school law, but is urging schools to follow the example of Santa Barbara Unified.

He congratulated Santa Barbara Unified and Bullard High in Fresno on their positive impact.

When school starts again next week, students will be asked to turn off their phones and put them away or keep them in a designated place they call a cell phone hotel.

“The idea is to use any place in teaching and learning spaces that is designated as a learning zone, the classroom, the library, any place where children learn that cell phones and smart watches are turned off and away,” Edison said.

Bill Woodard, principal of Dos Puelos High School, has seen studies that show it increases student success.

“And when a student’s cell phone beeps in their pocket, it can take up to 20 minutes for them to regain their focus on the class. And there is a growing body of research across the country on the negative effects of cell phones in the classroom,” Woodward said.

He said that teachers would be provided with numbered mobile phones, which could also be used for attendance monitoring.

Exceptions apply if students use their phone for health reasons, for example in connection with diabetes or to take medication.

The new school year begins in Santa Barbara next week.