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With California Assembly Bill 3216 now in effect, schools are required to eliminate student phone use during class hours. For administrators, this is a necessary step toward creating better learning environments, but the reality is clear—parents will push back. Read here about the Phone-Free School Act signed by Gavin Newsom on September 23, 2024. Addressing Common Questions and Concerns from Parents Concerns about safety, access, and emergencies can make implementing these policies feel like an uphill battle. However, with the right tools, schools can enforce phone-free policies while addressing parent concerns head-on. Mission Darkness created Generation Faraday bags tailored to...

On September 23, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Phone-Free Schools Act (California Assembly Bill 3216) into law, requiring all public and charter schools to restrict smartphone use by July 1, 2026. The bill targets concerns about how phone use affects academic performance, causes distractions, and harms student mental health. Inspired by similar successful bans in France and Spain, the law aims to improve focus in schools. To help enforce these policies, Mission Darkness has introduced Generation Faraday, a line of phone bags designed for schools. A study from the London School of Economics found that schools banning mobile phones...

Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation highlights the growing mental health crisis among students, driven by smartphones and social media. This “phone-based childhood” has led to increased anxiety, depression, and social isolation, leaving schools with the challenge of fostering environments free from constant digital distractions. The Role of Technology in Heightening Anxiety in Schools • Fragmented Attention Spans: Smartphones and social media are fragmenting students’ attention, making it harder for them to focus on tasks. • Increased Stress and Self-Comparison: Constant exposure to social media triggers stress and self-esteem issues, especially among teenagers who feel pressured to compare themselves to others....

In today’s hyperconnected world, teenagers rely heavily on smartphones. While technology enables learning and connection, it also presents challenges. Teen smartphone addiction is on the rise, with excessive screen time linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. In classrooms, constant notifications and distractions make it harder for students to focus on their education. The Link Between Screen Time and Mental Health Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues: Teens who spend more than three hours per day on their phones are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems (American Academy of Pediatrics). Negative...

Introduction: In today’s digital age, smartphones are a staple for middle and high school students, but their overuse during class can severely hinder focus and academic performance. While schools may not be able to take phones away entirely, using Faraday bags provides an effective solution. By blocking phone distractions like social media and games, students can better concentrate on their studies. This blog will explore how using Faraday bags in schools boosts academic outcomes and what to consider when selecting the best option for students. The Rise of Smartphones and Decline in Test Scores: In recent years, there has been...