Georgia Senate approves bill to ban cell phones in elementary, middle schools
Which Georgia schools ban cell phones?
Some Georgia public schools could be under a mandatory cell phone ban next year if a bill passed by the Senate becomes law. The bill bans cell phone at elementary and middle schools during the school day.
ATLANTA - The Georgia Senate passed a bill Tuesday banning cell phones at all public elementary and middle schools.
Marietta City School District, DeKalb County School District, and Atlanta Public Schools already require students to secure their phones in lockers or pouches during the school day.
The "Distraction-Free Education Act" would ban the use of cell phones by Georgia public school students in grades K-8 during the school day.
What they're saying:
Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula) called cell phones "a serious cancer in our classroom." Democratic and Republican senators expressed overwhelming support for HB340. It passed by a near-unanimous vote.
Sen. Jason Esteves (D-Atlanta) remarked that local school districts with cell phone bans "have seen remarkable success. They've reported higher grades for students, fewer disciplinary issues, and more engaged students."
SEE ALSO: Kids with smartphones reported higher well-being than kids without, study finds
What's next:
The bill now heads to Gov. Kemp's desk. If he signs the bill into law, it will take effect in July 2026.
SEE ALSO:
- Georgia House advances bill to ban cellphones in K-8 classrooms statewide
- Marietta City Schools shares details on cellphone ban: 'It’s created a community among students'
- Cellphone ban: DeKalb County Schools approves $400K for smartphone pouch pilot program
The Source: FOX 5's Deidra Dukes spoke to lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for this article.