California Schools Target Cellphone Distractions

Several school districts across the U.S. are tightening restrictions on cellphone use in response to concerns about student engagement and mental health. In South Jersey, the Cherry Hill Public School District is banning all wireless devices during instructional time, allowing use only during non-instructional periods. California Governor Gavin Newsom is urging school districts to limit smartphone access in classrooms, citing the need for focused learning environments and referencing the potential negative effects of social media on youth. Similar initiatives are being considered in South Carolina, alongside ongoing discussions in states like Utah and Florida. Meanwhile, Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland have implemented stricter guidelines, requiring devices to be off or silent and out of sight during school hours, with a tiered disciplinary system for violations. These measures reflect a growing trend towards minimizing digital distractions to enhance academic performance and mental well-being among students.