California follows Florida’s lead by passing new student gag law

Source: SFGate

“California schools will be required to restrict the use of smartphones on their campuses by 2026 because of a bill Gov. Gavin Newsom signed this week. Assembly Bill 3216, also called the Phone-Free Schools Act, mandates that all public and charter schools in the state, as well as county offices of education, develop policies that either limit or completely prohibit the use of smartphones during the school day. Newsom praised the legislation in a Monday news release. ‘We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues – but we have the power to intervene,’ he said. ‘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.'” (09/25/24)

https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/california-passes-smartphone-law-after-florida-19789872.php