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California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently sent a letter to K-12 leaders urging them to restrict students’ use of smartphones while in school. As the governor noted, regulating phone use leads to improved concentration, better academic outcomes, and enhanced social interactions among students.

I applaud Gov. Newsom’s call for thoughtful cellphone policies during school hours. But I also can’t help but feel the conversation regarding phone use at school is missing a key element. 

Students desperately need help in learning how to develop self-regulation, resilience, and balance in their lives—both on and off campus. Otherwise, what good will phone restrictions do if kids continue to be glued to their screens once the final bell rings?

In truth, cellphone restriction policies don’t address the fundamental challenge facing parents and educators today: How can we foster a healthy relationship with technology and social media? Students need help in setting their own boundaries. They  must learn how to use technology responsibly at school or home. In a digital-first world, schools have an obligation to teach these critical skills—while also supporting students’ full range of mental health needs.

Supporting students is critical

Excessive social media use is one reason many students are struggling with anxiety or depression today. Not only is it a distraction from school, but it’s a diversion from in-person interaction, which is essential for students’ mental and emotional health. 

Without limits, social media use can keep students from enjoying the outdoors and physical activity, which also affects their wellbeing. It can also promote a false image of what life is like, leading young people to feel inadequate about their own lives and affecting peer dynamics and relationships.

Even students themselves recognize the dangers of too much screen time. A Pew Research Center survey from March 2024 shows  over a third of teens —and 44 percent of girls—think they’re on their phones too much.

Yet, smartphones and social media use are habits that have become ingrained in students’ behavior—and putting their phones away during class time isn’t easy for many young people. K-12 leaders need to think about how they can support students so cellphone restrictions don’t become punitive in nature. 

Teaching students healthier habits will help them comply with cellphone restrictions on campus. It will also show them how to set their own limits outside of school, something that restrictions alone can’t do. 

How can we help students understand when it’s an appropriate time to engage in social media? How can we teach them to turn off their phone and step away? To me, it’s similar to how we teach kids they can’t eat 10 scoops of ice cream because it will make them sick. We have to teach them that moderation is important and too much tech time becomes unhealthy.

A multitiered system is key

Although excessive screen time can affect students’ self-esteem, relationships, and overall mental health, technology isn’t going away. If students want to be successful in their future careers, they must understand how to use technology as a tool for finding credible information, connecting and collaborating with others, and becoming more productive. 

Schools should be teaching students these critical skills while also communicating what it means to be a good digital citizen and how to engage with others ethically and responsibly online.

Besides restricting cellphone use during school hours, K-12 leaders should ensure there is a comprehensive system of supports in place to help young people with their mental health and wellness. This system should be multitiered, like the supports in place to make sure students aren’t falling behind academically.

The first tier should consist of universal skill building in elementary through high schools, so that students learn how to seek gratification beyond social media. For instance: How can students set goals for themselves and work toward achieving them? Where can they look for support in their lives? How can they practice self-control?

Some students, like those who have been bullied online, may need further support, such as counseling or coaching. And students who are really struggling with mental health challenges, like those who have clinical levels of anxiety and depression, should have access to a licensed therapist.

While social media can have negative effects if students aren’t using it responsibly in moderation, online platforms also give students a place to find support and connect with others experiencing similar feelings. For instance, EmpowerU helps students learn resilience through a combination of self-directed lessons and supportive online coaching and is implemented during the school day. Educators have a key opportunity to teach students how to use technology to seek help when they need it and deserve support in doing so.

Thoughtfully limiting students’ use of smartphones during the school day is a good first step toward improving academic achievement and wellbeing. But it isn’t enough. By helping students learn how to set their own boundaries, teaching them safe and responsible technology use, and implementing a multitiered system of mental health supports, K-12 leaders can foster healthy habits that will serve students well throughout their lives.

Dr. Erica Fener Sitkoff is a clinical psychologist and Chief Clinical Officer for FullBloom, a provider of behavioral health solutions for schools and students.