California Gov. Gavin Newsom is encouraging schools across the state to limit students' cellphone use in classrooms, he said in a letter to schools.

The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest school district in the United States, and Santa Barbara Unified have already established rules regarding cellphone use in schools.

In 2019, Newsom signed a law giving school districts the power to regulate cellphone use during school hours.

"Excessive smartphone use among young people is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of high school and 33% of middle school teachers report cell phone distractions as a major issue," Newsom wrote in the letter.

"Combined with the U.S. Surgeon General's warning about the risks of social media, it is urgent to provide reasonable limitations on smartphone use in schools," the letter stated.

Newsom also argued that reducing phone use in class leads to improved focus, better academic results, and enhanced social interactions.

The push for limited cellphone usage in schools comes amid concerns from public health leaders that social media platforms are contributing to a mental health crisis among young people. In June, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy issued a warning label to be added to social media platforms stating that social media usage can be associated with significant mental health harm for adolescents.

Virginia has also announced plans to restrict mobile phone usage in all public K-12 schools. These restrictions are set to take effect in 2025.