State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today called for local educational agencies (LEAs) to join California’s statewide effort to restrict students’ cell phone use in schools, citing evidence of harm to students’ mental health and well-being, as well as a correlation between smartphone addiction and negative impacts on learning and academic performance.
This call-to-action echoes existing legislation that empowers California school districts to enact policies that restrict students’ cell phone use. Assembly Bill 272 (Muratsuchi) External link opens in new window or tab., which became effective January 1, 2020, affirms the right of school districts, county office of education, and charter schools to establish policies that restrict students’ cell phone use in schools.
“I want to commend those schools and districts who have chosen to start this school year by establishing clear limits on students’ cell phone use in schools,” said Thurmond. “As parents and educators, we know that excessive smartphone use has a negative impact on the well-being of our young people. Our responsibility to protect young people from harm includes establishing clear limits on their access to smartphones at school and, in doing so, supporting our kids’ healthy development both academically and socially.”
Source: SPI for Cell Phone Use Restrictions in Schools – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)
