Media Advisory: Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo's Statement on Governo

Media Advisory: Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo's Statement on Governo

Tue Sep 24 08:44:00 PDT 2024

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a critical piece of legislation aimed at limiting the use of smartphones during school hours.

This decision reflects the growing awareness of the potential impacts that excessive screen time can have on the academic, social and emotional well-being of our students. While this new law brings important considerations to the forefront, it also raises significant concerns, particularly around student mental health. We know that for many students, smartphones are both a learning tool and a connection to their peers, which makes managing this policy with care and precision crucial.

As leaders in education, we are committed to ensuring that any changes implemented in our schools not only uphold the letter of the law but also serve the best interests of our students' mental and emotional well-being. To that end, our office will be convening a group of educators, students, teachers and staff to thoughtfully assess the implications of this legislation for the schools we operate.

It is also important to note that each of the school districts within our county has unique needs and dynamics. While this legislation sets a statewide standard, it will be up to each district to carefully consider what is best for their respective local communities. We trust that our school boards and district leaders will take the time to craft policies that reflect the values and priorities of their students and families. LACOE will be supporting school district leaders by bringing them together to share their experiences related to cell phones in schools.

As always, the well-being of our students remains at the heart of every decision we make, and we look forward to working collaboratively to navigate this important new chapter in California education.