Political commentator Steve Hilton has unveiled a plan to curb smartphone use among children in California, vowing to make the state the “first place IN THE WORLD” to end smartphones for kids without banning them.
Hilton Targets Smartphones In Schools
On Monday, in a post on X, Hilton said, “California will be the first place IN THE WORLD to end smartphones for children. And we’ll do so without banning them.”
In a video shared alongside the post, Hilton outlined five steps he said would help “restore childhood.”
First, he called for every California school to become phone-free, arguing existing restrictions are not properly enforced.
He said schools that have implemented such policies report that “everything is better,” with children talking, socializing and building relationships.
Second, Hilton proposed requiring schools to invite parents to sign a “Wait Until Eighth” pledge, encouraging families to delay giving children smartphones until eighth grade.
Hilton Pushes Basic Phones For Kids
Hilton also called for new parents to be educated about the “dangers of smartphones” and urged state-funded youth organizations, sports groups and after-school clubs to ban smartphones on their premises.
Finally, he said he would work with technology companies and phone providers to make basic phones more accessible to children.
“I’m not against kids having phones,” Hilton said. “But you don’t need a smartphone.”
Holding up his flip phone, he added, “If I can run for governor without a smartphone, I think our kids can exist without a smartphone.”
AI and Social Media Face Growing Teen Safety Scrutiny
Last month, OpenAI’s rollout of ChatGPT for Teens introduced learning tools and additional safeguards for users ages 13 to 17, including study mode, homework reminders and parental controls.
The launch came amid growing scrutiny over AI safety and the risks of harmful content reaching minors.
Meanwhile, Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) was ordered to pay $567 million and make major changes to Facebook and Instagram for young users after a New Mexico judge ruled that the company had created a “public nuisance.”
The five-year order required limits on teen usage, tighter controls on adult-minor interactions and stronger protections for AI chatbot interactions. Meta said it planned to appeal the ruling.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
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