GEORGIA — Gov. Brian Kemp has signed legislation expanding Georgia’s ban on cellphone use in public schools to include high school students statewide.
The measure builds on a law passed last year that prohibited student access to personal electronic devices “bell to bell” in kindergarten through eighth grade. Under the new law, the restriction will now apply to high school students as well.
Supporters of the legislation said the policy is intended to create a distraction-free learning environment and improve classroom focus. State Rep. Scott Hilton, who sponsored the bill, pointed to research from Emory University and Georgia Southern University that lawmakers said showed improvements in academic performance and student behavior when phone access is limited during the school day.
Local school systems will have flexibility in how they enforce the policy. Districts may choose whether phones are collected, stored or otherwise restricted during school hours.
The expanded cellphone ban is scheduled to take effect before the 2027-2028 school year, giving school districts time to develop and implement procedures.
The measure has faced criticism from some students and school safety advocates who argue that access to phones can be important during emergencies.
Layla Renee Contreras, a student organizer who became involved in school safety advocacy following the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School, said students should be able to communicate during crisis situations.
Kemp signed the legislation Friday as part of a broader package of education-related bills.
