Author: SOPHIE AUSTIN / AP

Sacramento, Calif. — California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed new restrictions on students’ smartphone usage during school hours to address the mental health risks associated with social media. This initiative follows U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call for warning labels on social media platforms, particularly regarding their impact on young people. Newsom aims to build upon existing legislation from 2019 that allows school districts to regulate smartphone use among students while on campus or under school supervision. Acknowledging the harm caused by excessive social media use, Newsom emphasized the importance of focusing on academics rather than screens during school hours.…