ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Georgia lawmakers are debating a statewide ban on cell phones in schools.
The Distraction-Free Education Act, House Bill 340, would require school districts to create a plan to secure students’ phones while in school.
“From bell to bell, no cell. From the beginning of the day, you put your phone away, and at the end of the day, you get your cell phone back. Then we allow the locals to figure out what program works best for them. There are many school systems here in Georgia that have already implemented a policy, and the results are staggering. Schools have literally transformed. In classrooms and lunch halls, kids talk to each other, interact, and socialize,” said the bill’s sponsor State Rep. Scott Hilton.
The bill only applies to public schools and Kindergarten through 8th-grade students.
Districts can decide how they want to implement the ban.
On Thursday, the Senate Children and Families Committee heard from Marietta City Schools Superintendent Grant Rivera.
MCS implemented a ban on cell phones at Marietta Middle Schools.
Rivera testified that students report they are less distracted and teachers report they can focus on teaching, instead of trying to remove devices.
They opted for Yondr pouches. Students drop their phones and other devices in the pouch when the bell rings. The device includes a magnetic lock that only a teacher or administrator can unlock. Students get their phones back at the end of the day or if there is an emergency.
Rivera testified the pouches cost $25 each.
“Our money is a reflection of what we value. I choose to value children building relationships and learning in classrooms,“ said Rivera.
Lawmakers heard about the app Detezo which creates a phone-free space by scanning a QR code.
Seven states have opted to ban cell phones in schools.
Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.
