Two bipartisan measures involving Assemblyman Josh Hoover, R-Folsom, aimed at protecting young people in an increasingly digital world have been signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, including a Hoover-authored bill that calls for expanding digital wellness education in California public schools.
Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2071, authored by Hoover, directing the California Department of Education to develop a plan to expand digital wellness instruction in public schools statewide. The plan is required to be developed by Jan. 1, 2028.
The governor also signed Assembly Bill 1709, which Hoover joint authored. That measure establishes safeguards for social media use by children under age 16.
“Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue. As a parent and former school board member, I have seen first hand the impacts that screens and social media have had on our kids,” Hoover said. “I was proud to author AB 2071 to ensure our public schools develop a plan to expand digital wellness instruction so our students can learn best practices for using technology in a way that supports their physical health, mental health, and social connections.”
Digital wellness education is intended to help students better understand how their use of technology can affect their everyday lives, health and relationships. The instruction includes online and social media safety, evaluating digital and artificial intelligence content critically, and developing screen-time habits that support physical and mental well-being, learning and social connections.
The legislation places responsibility on the California Department of Education to develop the plan for expanding that type of instruction, rather than immediately establishing a new statewide curriculum requirement. The department has until Jan. 1, 2028, to complete the plan.
AB 1709 addresses youth technology use from a different direction, establishing guardrails for social media use by those younger than 16. Hoover served as a joint author of the bipartisan measure.
The two bills add to a growing focus in California on the effects of smartphones, social media and other digital technology on children and teenagers, particularly as schools contend with technology becoming an increasingly significant part of students’ academic and social lives.
Hoover represents California’s 7th Assembly District, which includes Folsom, Citrus Heights and Rancho Cordova, as well as the unincorporated communities of Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, Gold River, Mather, McClellan Park, North Highlands, Orangevale and Rosemont.
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