To bolster academic focus and mental well-being among students, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer of District 3 has rolled out initiatives to reduce cell phone usage within schools. According to a statement on her official website, the supervisor has introduced a policy that leverages County of San Diego mental health experts to assist school districts in crafting strategies to regulate phone use during school hours. Additionally, a collaboration with Campana Studios, a nonprofit organization, will see the introduction of lockable mobile phone pouches and other phone-limiting devices in interested District 3 middle and high schools.
Recent data from Common Sense Media points to a staggering 97% of teenagers engaging with cell phones during the school day, with the average student receiving 237 notifications daily; a sizeable fraction of these disruptions happen during instructional time. One in three K-12 teachers has flagged smartphones as a significant hindrance to classroom learning. Subsequently, health advisories regarding unrestricted smartphone use and its implications on youth mental health have been issued by both the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association. Echoing these concerns, California Governor Gavin Newsom called on all state school districts earlier this month to impose restrictions on cell phone usage.
"I want our County to help school administrators and parents keep students focused on their studies, and protect their mental health," said Supervisor Lawson-Remer, Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors. "School is hard enough without the distraction caused by a phone pinging or vibrating; and the trauma caused by cyberbullying", as reported by Supervisor Lawson-Remer's office. The policy and partnerships aim to support schools in creating an environment more conducive to learning and mental wellness.
A $100,000 grant from the County of San Diego bolstered the partnership initiative with Campana Studios. "As an organization committed to generating opportunities for creative expression in San Diego County, we see that an over-dependence on cell phones and excessive screen time can stifle creativity in our K-12 students," remarked Jay Bell, founder of Campana Studios. "We view this program as an opportunity to continue our work with local schools to foster student’s imagination and to set the stage for our youth to develop better connections with the curriculum, their classmates, teacher and our community", Bell was quoted as saying in a recent article on Supervisor Lawson-Remer's website. The funds will be available to District 3 schools on a first-come, first serve basis, and the mechanisms for phone restriction will be determined by collaboration between the schools and Campana Studios.
