Georgia House Advances Bill to Ban Cellphones Statewide in K-8 Schools

The Georgia House of Representatives has advanced a bill to ban cellphones in K-8 schools.  

The bill would prohibit students, ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade, from using personal electronic devices during school hours.  

The Distraction-Free Education Act, also known as Georgia House Bill 340, seeks to reduce distractions and enhance student focus and engagement in learning environments.  

Lori Baskins, an elementary teacher in Stephens County, gave her thoughts on how the bill would impact schools.
“I think it’s a good thing. Taking away the student’s phones during school hours removes distractions, allowing them to learn and focus on their work. As long as they are able to use their phones when necessary, I believe the bill will be successful.” – Lori Baskins, Stephens County Elementary Teacher
The proposal received significant bipartisan support, passing with a vote of 143-29. The bill has now moved to the state senate. 

If passed by the senate and signed by the governor, the ban would take effect in the 2026-2027 school year.  

Lisa Morgan, President of the Georgia Association of Educators, expressed her support for the bill. 

“Devices in our classrooms have become a significant discipline issue…the bill will certainly help students concentrate better on the lessons,” said Morgan. 

Under the proposal, school districts would have to develop and implement strategies to enforce the ban.  

“All students in the district will have the same policy, you’ll know what the policy is, and you won’t have ambiguity in the policy,” Morgan said.  

Some strategies would include cellphone pouches, lockers in the classrooms or other similar methods.  

The proposed ban would include smartphones, smartwatches, tablets and headphones. 

Exceptions to the legislation include students with disabilities or specific medical needs. The students would be permitted to use their devices under certain conditions.  

Some school districts in metro Atlanta are already piloting similar bans, reporting positive outcomes in terms of reduced discipline issues and increased student engagement.  

The bill has support from teachers’ unions, parents and other educators who are hopeful that the ban will help students focus and cut down distractions while learning.  

State Rep. Scott Hilton, the sponsor of the bill, explained what the ban would look like and why it is needed.  

“Cellphones would not be allowed in the classroom during academic time from bell to bell. Cellphone usage is a problem in our classrooms. Kids are spending upwards of 90 minutes on their phones during the day. It’s a distraction from learning.”