Newsom asks School Leaders to Restrict Cellphones this School Year

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has urged school districts to promptly restrict cellphone use on campuses, citing concerns over its impact on student mental health and academic performance. In a letter to district leaders, Newsom highlighted evidence linking excessive smartphone use to increased anxiety, depression, and classroom distractions. He referenced a Pew Research Center survey showing that cellphone distractions are a major issue for many teachers and noted that students use their phones extensively during school hours.