SACRAMENTO– Amid mounting concern over the mental health effects of social media on children, lawmakers and advocates will hold a press conference to spotlight recent legislation: SB 1283 and AB 3216, aimed at curbing in-school smartphone use among students. The event will include powerful testimony from education leaders in the legislature alongside FX’s new documentary series, Social Studies Executive Producer Lauren Greenfield, which intimately explores the impact of growing up online in Los Angeles. The use of smartphones and social media during school hours is increasingly linked to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and distraction among youth. SB 1283 and AB 3216 propose commonsense measures to support schools in limiting in-classroom smartphone use. This press conference aims to amplify legislative efforts, highlight community concerns, and rally support for stronger school district policies across California.
Speakers will also address recent research on the harmful effects of excessive social media use on adolescents and urge local school districts to take decisive action by implementing clear smartphone policies that prioritize student well-being.
Details: Wednesday, May 14, 11 am
Location: Capitol Rose Garden Gazebo, corner of 15th and L Street.
“Social media’s impact on young people and its effect on their mental health is one of the most troubling problems facing the first generation that has never known a world without it. Social Studies is a documentary series in which we hear from teens themselves about the problems they face. I am thrilled that Senator Stern, Assemblyman Hoover, and Senator Rubio are giving these amazing teenagers a bipartisan platform so they can hear from them firsthand to develop policy and community solutions. With the support of these teens, network partners, and the Annenberg Foundation, we have made a series and an educational curriculum that we think should be incorporated into California schools (for age 14+) to aid media literacy, a vital skill in the social media age.”
– Lauren Greenfield, Director/ Creator, Social Studies
“When I was a teacher, I watched young minds full of potential lose focus and confidence because of the pressure they felt to keep up online. Social media isn’t just a distraction – it’s hurting our students’ mental health and their relationships. We can’t keep handing kids a problem this big and expecting them to fix it alone. It’s time for us to lead. Our kids deserve it.”
– Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), Co-Author of SB 1283 / Elementary School Teacher
“The harms of social media and smartphone use among adolescents are well documented. It is not a coincidence that the current generation of students is grappling with lower test scores, anxiety, depression, and even suicide. The Phone-Free Schools Act will help reduce these harms, but more must be done to limit social media use and establish real human connections.”
– Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R – Folsom), Author of AB 3216
“We must do everything in our power to protect our children from the dangers of social media. If we don’t step up and empower students, parents, and teachers to push back on Big Tech, the bullying, suicide, depression, and other harms befalling our kids are going to become a dangerous new normal. We have to aim to create a safer online environment for all, while getting cellphones and social media out of schools.”
– Senator Henry Stern (D – Los Angeles), Author of SB 1283