California becomes latest state to restrict student smartphone use at school

School districts in California will have to create rules restricting student smartphone use under a new law Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom signed Monday.

The legislation makes California the latest state to try to curb student phone access in an effort to minimise distractions in the classroom and address the mental health impacts of social media on children. Florida, Louisiana, Indiana and several other states have passed laws aimed at restricting student phone use at school.

“This new law will help students focus on academics, social development, and the world in front of them, not their screens, when they’re in school," Newsom said in a statement.