California Gov. Newsom calls for cell phone restrictions at schools Newsom aims to improve students’ mental health and education

On June 18, California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a comprehensive ban on cell phone usage in schools, a move inspired by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s recommendation for warning labels on social media due to its impact on adolescents' mental health. Following this, Newsom sent a letter to California K-12 school districts on August 13 urging them to limit student cell phone use as the 2024-2025 school year approaches.

In response, some districts, like the Los Angeles Unified School District, have implemented strict cell phone bans, requiring phones to be off and out of sight throughout the school day. In contrast, the Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) has adopted a more lenient approach, requiring phones to be off and away only during class, though they may be used for educational purposes with teacher permission. Despite these varying policies, freshman Noah Guan reports that compliance remains an issue. He recalls seeing students at Kennedy Middle School using their phones despite the policy against it.

“People don’t adhere to this policy because they want to keep their phones during free time,” Guan said. “This mindset, driven by the desire for instant gratification, isn’t conducive to a productive learning environment. It often overrides self-control.”

Principal Bryan Emmert of Fremont High School agrees with Guan’s observations, noting that cell phones are a major source of disciplinary issues in FUHSD. The district allows teachers to establish their own classroom policies regarding phone use. Despite these challenges, FUHSD continues to support technology through its 1:1 device program, which provides each student with a personal or school-provided laptop. Superintendent Graham Clark argues that the distinction between phones and computers may not be significant.

“Whether it’s a phone or a computer, the functionality is similar,” Clark said. “In elementary and non-1:1 schools, cell phones might be more of an issue, but since students use computers daily, banning phones doesn’t make much sense.”

Cupertino High School Principal Bill Schloss acknowledges concerns among FUHSD staff about messaging apps and their potential to distract students. While school-issued Chromebooks block these apps, cell phones may still be used in class depending on individual teacher policies. Junior Shiva Chaganti observes that while cell phones can be distracting, they also serve valuable social functions.

“Academically, cell phones might not be necessary,” Chaganti said. “But for social interactions—texting, Snapchat, Instagram—they play a significant role. They help people connect, which is important.”

Chaganti also points out that cell phones provide essential communication with parents. In emergencies, such as the bomb threats at MVHS in September 2022, phones were crucial for students to inform their families of their safety.

“Even though the bomb threats weren’t real, phones were vital for some students to contact their parents,” Chaganti said. “Being able to reassure your family during emergencies is crucial, and phones have proven to be incredibly useful in such situations.”