**California Governor Gavin Newsom Takes Aim at Smartphone Usage in Schools**
**Sacramento, California (AP) -** In a bold move to address concerns about the impact of social media on young minds, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed restricting smartphone usage during school hours.
Mental Health Concerns Fueled by Social Media
Newsom’s announcement comes on the heels of a report by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, which highlighted the potential dangers of social media on youth mental health. The governor cited this research as a driving force behind his proposal. “Social media is harming the mental health of our youth,” Newsom said in a statement. “Our children need to focus on their studies and their personal growth, not be glued to their screens.”
Local Flexibility vs. Statewide Regulations
Newsom’s proposal has sparked debate, with some advocating for local school districts to retain control over smartphone policies. “We support empowering school leaders to make decisions that reflect their communities’ concerns,” said Troy Flint, spokesperson for the California School Boards Association.
However, others believe that a statewide approach is necessary. “It’s too difficult for individual schools and teachers to effectively manage smartphone usage,” said State Senator Henry Stern. “Government needs to step in and establish clear guidelines.”
Existing Regulations and Pending Bills
In 2019, Newsom signed a law authorizing school districts to restrict smartphone usage. Some districts, such as Los Angeles Unified, have already taken steps to implement such policies.
Additionally, State Senator Nancy Skinner has introduced a bill that would ban social media platforms from providing addictive content to minors. This bill has passed the Senate and is awaiting an Assembly hearing.
National Debate on Social Media’s Impact
Newsom’s proposal is part of a broader national conversation about the influence of social media on young people. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has implemented one of the most restrictive bans on social media usage by children. New York State is also considering legislation to allow parents to block suggested social media posts for their kids.
Will Newsom’s Proposal Be Implemented?
It remains to be seen whether Newsom’s proposal will become law. He has expressed a willingness to work with the Legislature to fine-tune the bill and ensure it effectively addresses concerns while respecting local autonomy.
One thing is clear: the issue of smartphone usage in schools is not going away. As technology continues to evolve and social media platforms become more pervasive, it is likely that policymakers and educators will continue to grapple with the best way to protect the mental well-being of our future generations.
Priyanka 
Divya