By Abigail Kim

As Granada Hills Charter High School (GHC) students, many of us are familiar with the strict regulations and policies GHC has in place regarding phones.  However, recently, implementations within California law will eventually make this the case for all California students. 

On September 23, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation that gave California school districts two years to initiate banning or restricting cell phone usage during school hours. The ban was in response to increasing concerns over the impact of social media on students’ mental health. 

“We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and mother mental health issues — but we have the power to intervene,” said Newson in a statement. 

Studies conducted by Columbia University’s Department of Psychiatry have shown a correlation between heavy social media use and depression, anxiety, loneliness, and thoughts of suicide. In addition, cell phone usage comes with risks such as cyberbullying, which further worsens students’ mental health. Increased reports of cyberbullying also pose a significant problem to students’ mental health as well.  In addition, studies from the Pew Research Center show that 72 percent of high school teachers and 33 percent of middle school teachers stated that cell phone distractions during instruction were a “major problem.” 

In light of this situation, the Phone-Free Schools Act was created, requiring schools in California to restrict all cell phone use by July 1, 2026. The goal of the law is to limit or prohibit the use of phones by pupils while in school. However, it is up to the jurisdiction of local districts to determine whether or not cell phones are banned from classrooms altogether. There are also exceptions to this law. Phone usage will only be permitted if such a situation is deemed an emergency and students are given permission by school staff if a doctor states a student needs their phone for medical purposes or is necessary for a special education student’s specialized education program. 

Most schools in California have already implemented their own cell phone restrictions or are in the process of implementing them. Los Angeles Unified will be starting their cell phone ban policy at the beginning of January. 

However, there are some concerns regarding the implementation of this new policy. Parents argue that cell phones are necessary especially since students are living in an age when school shootings and other emergencies occur more frequently. Not having a cell phone during such cases could be problematic as students are unable to contact their parents immediately. Some people also view cell phones as a beneficial learning resource that when used properly, can enhance student learning rather than inhibit it.