California becomes latest state to restrict student smartphone use at US schools

Students use their cellphones as they leave for the day at a high school in downtown Los Angeles. 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. — AP

SACRAMENTO, California: School districts in California will have to create rules restricting student smartphone use under a new law Democratic Gov Gavin Newsom signed Sept 23.

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.