California May Ban All Smartphones At Schools

click to expand

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - California wants all school districts to come up with smartphone policies, including banning or restricting when students can use the phones at school or on school grounds.

Assembly Bill 272 would allow students to keep their phones with them at school, in case of emergency or for learning purposes.

ALSO: Even Tech Execs Fret About Their Kids' Smartphone Addictions

The bill's author, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D- Torrance), said, "Cell phones can be a distraction in the classroom, and there are social and emotional consequences to too much use. According to studies, kids who are heavy users of social media are showing signs of depression and other mental health problems in greater numbers. Studies have also shown that restricting cell phone use improves pupil performance."

A Pew Research Center study conducted in 2018 found 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, a 22% increase since 2014-15.

A psychology professor at San Diego State University found in 2017: "8th grade pupils who spend 10 or more hours per week on social media are 56% more likely to describe themselves as unhappy than those who devote less time to social media. Moreover, teenagers who spend three hours per day or more on electronic devices are 35% more likely to demonstrate risk factors for suicide, such as suicidal ideation; and, teenagers who spend five or more hours per day on their devices are 71% more likely to demonstrate a risk factor for suicide."

ALSO: More Time On Smartphones Linked To Higher Suicide Risk In Teens, Study Says

According to a study done by Common Sense Media, 13-18-year-olds spend:

8:56 a day consuming entertainment on TV, computer, smartphone
6:40 a day of screen media

8-12-year-olds spend:

5:55 a day consuming entertainment on TV, computer, smartphone
4:36 of screen media

The London School of Economics and Political Science found student test scores improved significantly at schools that had smartphone bans, specifically among disadvantaged and underachieving students.

France banned smartphones at all primary and middle schools at the start of the school year.

AB 272 goes before the Assembly Education Committee in April.

Swipe for weird California laws still on the books.

In Lompoc, it's cock-a-doodle-oh-no-you-dont! Roosters are outlawed. (credit: iStock)

They don't like city slickers in Blythe! If you don't own at least two cows, you can do time for wearing cowboy boots. (credit: AP)

Talk about a golf handicap. In Long Beach, according to dumblaws.com, you are not allowed to curse or use foul language while playing miniature golf. Apparently, it's okay to curse like a sailor while playing badminton or tennis. But curse while playing some #$%* miniature golf and find your #$%**#$ in hot water.

Note to terrorists! Don't go to Chino: detonating a nuclear device of any kind, within the city limits, will get you a $500 fine. (credit: AP)

You drivers better slow down in Arcadia! According to dumblaws.com, peacocks there always have the right of way. (credit: CBS)

Scooby Doo! According to dumblaws.com, if you leave dog waste in your yard for more than seven days in Cerritos, you can be cited. Of course, we want to know how anyone knows what dog doo looks like on the eighth day? And, more interestingly, whose job is it to decide? (credit: K'shel Bell)

In San Francisco, hookers are not required to carry bills on their person larger than $50 in order to make change. (credit: AP)

Horny? Don't be a rhino in California! According to a website that specializes in strange facts about sex, all animals are banned in the Golden State from mating within 1500 feet of a place of worship, school or tavern. Presumably they CAN drink at the tavern but they can't get busy near the tavern. Ah, and speaking of rhinos, if you want to own one in Norco, you have to pony up $100 for the privilege. (credit: L.A. Zoo)

You'll never be able to see the Glendale 500 at this rate. Indianapolis has nothing to worry about. It is illegal for someone in Glendale to jump into a moving or passing car. And according to dumblaws.com, it is also illegal to go in reverse. (credit: CBS)

Lizards don't have a lot of rights, but in Fresno they enjoy major protection. Lizards cannot be annoyed while in city parks. So if you're in the park minding your own business, and some lizard sits down with his boom box and starts blasting his music, the cops will take his side. (credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Dogs in wheelchairs are not as uncommon as you think. Many dogs are old, arthritic, and have hip problems. But you don't want to bring an infirmed dog to Glendale. According to dumblaws.com, dogs are not allowed on elevators. So Bowser, get to stepping! (iStock)

Don't let Fido get frisky in Ventura County. He or she will get busted. Dogs and cats need a permit to, uh, get animal. (credit: CBS)

Like it or not, it's the law. You cannot (underscore cannot) lick a toad anywhere in Los Angeles. And this is even if the toad is consenting and over 18. (credit: Frogwatch (North) via Getty Images)

Stay belted! Hard to believe, but it's allegedly legal for a man to beat his wife in Los Angeles if he uses a belt less than 2 inches wide, and if she gives her consent. (credit: AP)

Apparently they're trying to keep the lid on pollution in Dana Point. You can use your restroom, but close the window or else! (credit: AP)

Who wouldn't want to be kissed by mega hunk Tom Selleck? Well, if you live in Eureka watch those lips! Men with moustaches are simply not allowed to plant a wet one on a woman in Eureka. (credit: CBS)

In Cathedral City, it's illegal to sleep in a parked car. (credit: CBS)

Man walks into a bar. He says, "Hi, do you serve fish here?' and the bartender says 'Sure, sit down. We'll serve anyone.'" As funny as that joke isn't (sorry!), the truth is, it's against the law to walk into a bar in Portola carrying a fish. (credit: AP)

And you wonder why J-Lo doesn't do concerts in Hermosa Beach. It is illegal to show your buttocks on a playground in that city. (credit: CBS)

Ha! And they say people in LA can be shallow and obsessed with looks! In San Francisco, it is actually illegal for ugly people to walk down the street. (credit: FreedomIsNotFree.com)