SACRAMENTO, California — Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis, often at odds politically, are finding common ground on the issue of banning or curtailing smartphone use in schools.
A Rare Moment of Bipartisan Agreement
While California Democrat Gavin Newsom and Florida Republican Ron DeSantis have a history of political rivalry, they now align on a policy gaining bipartisan traction: restricting children’s smartphone use in schools. This unexpected convergence highlights a shared concern over the impact of technology on young students.
The Movement Grows
DeSantis led the charge last year with Florida’s pioneering legislation banning smartphones during school hours. On Tuesday, Newsom told POLITICO he plans to sign similar legislation in California this year. DeSantis’ team quickly claimed credit for being first, sparking a renewed exchange. “There may still be a chance to come back from the brink,” DeSantis spokesperson Bryan Griffin quipped, reflecting their low opinion of California’s policies.
Newsom responded by pointing out his 2019 legislation encouraging school districts to limit smartphone use and his 2022 law promoting children’s online safety. Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ school board, governing the nation’s second-largest district, moved to implement a cellphone ban by January 2025.
Legislative Push and Public Opinion
Newsom has yet to specify the legislative vehicle for his initiative, but California Republican Assemblymember Josh Hoover’s proposal, requiring districts to limit or ban smartphones by 2026, is a likely candidate. Hoover, a father of three school-aged children, praised Newsom’s stance as a “game-changer.”
“In today’s hyper-partisan age, it’s encouraging to see leaders come together to help our kids,” Hoover said. State Sen. Henry Stern, a Democrat supporting Hoover’s measure, called the agreement between Newsom and DeSantis a “sign of progress” in a divided nation.
Parental Concerns and Policy Impact
Some parents worry about not being able to contact their children during emergencies, like school shootings. Yet the policy continues to gain support from both policymakers and parents. First partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom emphasized the need for legislation due to tech companies’ resistance to transparency. “We’re sadly being held back by capitalist interests,” she stated.
The Biden administration has also acknowledged the issue, urging Congress to mandate warning labels on social media apps akin to those on cigarettes and alcohol. States like Indiana and Tennessee, along with Canadian provinces like Alberta, are considering similar restrictions.
Florida’s Experience and California’s Next Steps
Florida’s 2023 law, championed by DeSantis, prohibits smartphone use during class and restricts access to social media on school networks. Some districts allow phones during lunch, while others enforce stricter bans, reporting positive outcomes. Orange County Public Schools’ “bell to bell” no-phone rule has led to more student engagement, according to Superintendent Maria Vazquez.
California Democrats, including Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, support Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call for warning labels on social media. If federal efforts falter, California might pursue its own labeling laws to safeguard children’s mental health.
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California’s Gavin Newsom and Florida’s Ron DeSantis find common ground on restricting smartphone use in schools. Learn about their bipartisan efforts to protect students.
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