This US state may be the next to ban smartphones in schools

After Florida and Indiana, California is planning to ban the usage of smartphones in schools. According to a report by The New York Times, Governor Gavin Newsom shared his statement hours before board members at the Los Angeles Unified School District voted to pass a proposal for a ban on using phones in schools. He recently stated support for efforts aiming to restrict the use of smartphones in schools within the state.
Newsom said that he will work with lawmakers "to restrict the use of smartphones during the school day" as children and teens "should be focused on their studies — not their screens."

Newsom explained that the new rules will build upon a 2019 directive he signed, which allows (but doesn't mandate) districts to implement phone bans. If California enacts a law banning phone use during school hours, it will join Florida and Indiana, which have similar legislation.
The governor also mentioned and agreed with the US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s views wherein he urged that social media platforms should be required to display warning labels similar to the ones that come with alcohol and tobacco products.

Murthy highlighted that these platforms can significantly harm teenagers' mental health. He explained that the label "which requires congressional action, would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proven safe."
Florida schools must prevent students from using phones during class, with some districts extending the ban until students go home. Other states are also considering similar measures.
Earlier this year, New York City declared social media a public health hazard and Governor Kathy Hochul shared plans to pursue school phone restrictions in the state of New York by 2025.

LA's board members have passed the proposal for a phone ban, however, two members voted against it. In a statement to The Times, one of the members said that he voted against the motion as teachers are already having difficulties imposing existing restrictions in schools.
He also noted that parents having the ability to contact their children during emergencies is more important. He provided examples of incidents like school shootings which echoes the concerns of parents who opposed phone bans in the past.