The Santa Barbara Unified School District's cellphone policy continues to attract attention.
First Partner of California Jennifer Siebel Newsom visited Santa Barbara Unified on Friday to talk to officials about the "Off and Away" policy, as well as other district programs.
"Santa Barbara Unified School District's 'Off and Away' policy is a powerful example of how we can prioritize students' mental health and focus in today's technology-driven world," Siebel Newsom said. "By creating an environment that fosters deeper connections, meaningful learning and overall well-being, the district is setting a standard for others to follow."
She visited Santa Barbara High School in a tour led by Superintendent Hilda Maldonado, Santa Barbara High School Principal Fred Razo and Assistant Principal Ed Gomez.
The highlight of the day was a roundtable discussion about the cellphone policy. The Santa Barbara Unified School District was one of two districts in California to get invited to the governor's mansion to meet with Gavin Newsom last month.
In 2019, Newsom signed AB 272, which allows schools to regulate smartphone use during class hours. Santa Barbara Unified banned smartwatches, cellphones and headphones in class in 2022. Students must place the electronic devices in their backpacks so that they cannot access them during class time.
Some teachers also have phone "hotels" where students can store their devices during class.
Excessive smartphone use among youths is linked to increased anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. A Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of high school teachers and 33% of middle school teachers report cellphone distractions as a major problem.
The discussion included parents, high school teacher representatives, principals, the student board member and First 5 Executive Director Wendy Sims-Moten, according to Ed Zuchelli, a district spokesman.
"I'm inspired by their commitment to putting students first and building healthier school communities," Siebel Newsom said.
She also received a tour of the district's Visual Arts and Design Academy.
In a news release, Zuchelli said Siebel Newsom was delighted to see the Early Years Infant Center "up close and personal."
"She was welcomed by the friendly staff who care for the infants and toddlers and was provided insight into the center's work," Zuchelli said.
The center serves teen parents from all local high schools, staff/faculty of Santa Barbara Unified, and community families living within the Santa Barbara Unified boundaries.
The tour also included the district's GreenLab, a program where students learn about sustainable farming practices.
"The first partner's visit reflects Santa Barbara Unified being a leading district in California," Maldonado said. "Our student-first approach to learning is preparing students with the 21st-century skills they'll need to succeed in the real world."
Maldonado said she was happy to meet Siebel Newsom.
"It was an honor to show her around the Santa Barbara High School campus and the great work we are doing," Maldonado said. "I want to thank the first partner for taking the time to visit our district, and everyone in the district who helped make this happen."
Razo agreed.
"It's a great honor to demonstrate how our school and district are giving students the opportunity to focus on learning and taking a break from technology," Razo said. "This work is crucial to setting up our students for success."