Latest news with #Distraction-FreeEducationAct
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Fulton County leaders considering banning cell phones, smart devices in schools
The Brief The Fulton County School Board is considering a new proposal that would ban cell phones and smartwatches when students come back to class after summer vacation. Students in grades K-9 would not be allowed to use personal electronics during the school day. High school students would have to put their phones up during instructional time, but would be allowed to carry their devices at other points in the day. Officials say the proposed change would align with Georgia's recently-passed Distraction-Free Education Act. FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Fulton County Schools could ban smart devices like cell phones and smartwatches when students come back to class after summer vacation. The new potential policy change was brought up at a board meeting on Monday. What we know If enacted, the policy change would prohibit the use of personal electronic devices for students in grades K-9 during the school day. High school students would have to put their phones up during instructional time, but would be allowed to carry their devices at other points in the day. Students would also be discouraged from using electronic devices on the school bus, with inappropriate use possibly resulting in disciplinary action. There would be exceptions to the rule for students that have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Section 504 plan, or medical plan that explicitly mandates the use of a personal electronic device for medical or educational purposes. The electronic devices that would be affected by the policy change include personal laptops, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, smart glasses, headphones, and other devices that can send messages or allow access to social media. To assuage parents' fears over situations that involve contacting their children, the policy would require schools to "establish clear communication protocols that require parents or guardians who need to communicate with their student during the school day to contact the school directly." Dig deeper Officials say the proposed change would align with Georgia's recently-passed Distraction-Free Education Act. Earlier this year, state lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the bill, which would prohibit students K-8 across the state from accessing their personal electronic devices during school hours. The 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. What's next If the board approves the change, it will go into effect in August. The Source Information for this story was taken from the policy proposal by the Fulton County School Board.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Georgia Senate approves bill to ban cell phones in elementary, middle schools
The Brief The Georgia Senate passed a bill banning cell phones at public elementary and middle schools, effective July 2026 if signed into law. The "Distraction-Free Education Act" aims to eliminate cell phone use by students in grades K-8 during school hours. Lawmakers, including Sen. Randy Robertson and Sen. Jason Esteves, expressed strong support, citing improved student performance and reduced disciplinary issues in districts with existing bans. 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.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
A ban on cell phones in Georgia Schools heads to the governor's desk
A statewide ban on cell phones in the classroom for Georgia students will now head to the governor's desk for final approval. On Tuesday, House Bill 340 passed the Senate with overwhelming support. Sen. Jason Anavitarte, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, spoke with Channel 2's Richard Elliot just moments after the bill was passed. 'Simply put - phones need to put away and we must be sensitive to what parents and teachers want,' Anavitarte said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Marietta Schools Superintendent Grant Rivera, who helped spearhead the statewide effort after implementing a similar ban in the district's two middle schools, told Channel 2′s Brittany Kleinpeter that the positive impact was undeniable. 'For us we've got children telling us even though they don't like it, they need it,' Rivera said. RELATED STORIES: A bill banning cell phones in school for kids in K-8 is one step closer to becoming law Georgia student phone, tablet ban passes House vote, heads to state Senate Ban on student phones in Georgia public schools back up for review in House Education Committee Schools participating in cellphone lock-up pilot program says discipline issues are down The school superintendent adding that over the last year, 68% of the teachers at Marietta Middle School reported being less stressed and 22% of 8th grade students reported an increase in their ability to learn. 'The teacher could teach better, and they could learn better as a result of a phone-free classroom,' Rivera added. Marietta Middle School parents like Kayla Sargent told Channel 2 Action News that they've seen the positive impacts of a cell ban. 'My middle school's functioning academically and socially has improved greatly since the ban,' Sargent said. 'I know teachers really appreciate it as well, so I've been very enthusiastic about the tech progress the district has made.' However, some parents like Bryan Williams say they're apprehensive about the ban due to security concerns. 'I would want my kid to have their cell phone in school for those dangerous moments and those moments where they need me,' Williams said. The Distraction-Free Education Act prohibits public school students in grades kindergarten through eight from accessing personal electronic devices during the school day. That includes smartphones, headphones, tablets and smartwatches. School-issued electronic devices can still be used, and school districts also would have come up with policies on storing devices and consequences for violations. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
School cellphones ban, school speed zone camera, library crimes bills advance
ATLANTA (WSAV) — WSAV has told you about new bills proposed in the Georgia General Assembly, including the proposed ban on cellphones in schools, bills on school speed zone camera and the possibility of librarians facing penalties for loaning certain material. WSAV brought you information on House Bill 340 or the Distraction-Free Education Act on Thursday. It will require all public schools K-8 to remove electronic devices from children during school hours. House Bill 225 could completely ban the automated speed zone cameras in school zones. Another option is regulation which would come with House Bill 651. Both advanced on Thursday. Under Senate Bill 74, librarians in public libraries, K-12 schools and colleges could face prosecution or penalties if they loan 'obscene' material to minors. According to Georgia code, 'obscene' means the material is shameful or morbid. Thursday marked the last day for legislation to pass either the House or Senate and be advanced to the other legislative chamber for consideration this session. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Georgia House advances bill to ban cellphones in K-8 classrooms statewide
The Brief A statewide ban on cellphones in classrooms takes a step closer to becoming a reality. The Georgia House approved a bill that would prohibit students from kindergarten through eighth grade from using all personal electronic devices during school hours. Right now, a number of schools around metro Atlanta are testing out similar programs. ATLANTA - A bill working its way through the Georgia General Assembly would ban cellphones in the state. It expands upon an idea that some school districts are already doing. The backstory The Georgia House on Tuesday passed a bill that would prohibit students K-through-8 across the state from accessing their personal electronic devices during school hours. The proposed ban would include smartphones, smartwatches, tablets and headphones. A number of schools in metro Atlanta are testing out cellphone bans, including Midtown High School, middle schools in Marietta and some schools in DeKalb County. What they're saying Supporters say the proposed ban on devices would cut down on distractions in the classroom. A teachers' union and the parents we spoke with agree. Pamela Haggerty has a daughter in the 9th grade and a son in the 11th grade at Midtown High School. The school already has a policy mandating that personal electronic devices be put away while students are in class. "I think it's fantastic," Haggerty said. "I know my kids aren't happy; my kids are not going to like it. I love that they don't have their devices here." Haggerty says that a proposal to ban smart devices in schools across Georgia is a good idea. "I'm very pro phones being locked up during school hours," Haggerty said. State Rep. Scott Hilton, R-48th district, chairs the Information and Audits Committee and sponsors the Distraction-Free Education Act. "Cellphones would not be allowed in the classroom during academic time from bell to bell," Hilton said. "Cellphone usage is a problem in our classrooms, kids are spending upwards of 90 minutes, some are receiving up to 237 notifications during the school day. It's just a distraction from learning." Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators, supports the measure. "Devices in our classrooms have become a significant discipline issue," morgan said. The bill "will certainly help students concentrate on better and it will help teachers having more students concentration on the lesson." Under the new proposal, each district would have to devise plans to enforce the ban, including cellphone pouches, lockers in classrooms or other methods. "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. Dig deeper The bill would make exceptions. Students with disabilities or with medical needs would be able to access their devices. The bill is now in the state senate. If the senate passes the bill and the governor signs it, the bill would apply for the 2026-27 school year. SEE ALSO: Expert shares tips for managing your child's cellphone use Marietta City Schools shares details on cellphone ban Cellphone ban: DeKalb County Schools approves $400K for smartphone pouch pilot program Apalachee High School shooting highlights fears about cellphone bans in class The Source State Rep. Scott Hilton and Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators.
