One of the lobbying groups pushing for the passage of a bill prohibiting access to phones in Georgia classrooms says it is ‘thrilled’ by the passage of legislation now headed to Governor Kemp’s desk.
State Representative Scott Hilton applauded the final passage of House Bill 340, the Distraction-Free Schools Act, legislation he sponsored that would require grades K-8 schools to implement policies to prevent students from accessing cell phones and other personal digital devices from the start until the end of the school day.
“I am grateful for my colleagues in the House and Senate for their support and vote on House Bill 340,” said Rep. Hilton. “[T]he Senate took decisive action for Georgia’s children by passing HB 340. With cell phone use among children at an all-time high, we must take action to protect the integrity of our classrooms. Studies overwhelmingly show that limiting phone access significantly increases students’ focus, reduces distractions and fosters a more effective learning environment. HB 340 is a step in the right direction toward ensuring that classrooms remain a place for education where teachers can teach, and our brightest minds can learn.”
House Bill 340 would require K-8 public school systems to enact policies by January 1, 2026, to prohibit bell-to-bell access to personal electronic devices, establish methods for storing these devices, establish policies for off-site activities, facilitate emergency communication through emergency systems facilitated by school personnel and create consequences for personal device use. Students who need access to phones for medical purposes or learning disabilities would be able to access their device as necessary. School systems would still be able to provide laptops and other devices for learning purposes in the classroom.
“We are thrilled to see Georgia taking steps to improve students’ educational outcomes with the passage of HB 340,” said Miranda Williams, Southeast Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action. “Research shows that distraction-free classrooms lead to greater student engagement, stronger social interactions with peers and teachers and improved academic performance. This important first step paves the way for future legislation to ensure distraction-free learning environments for all Georgia students.”
“The passage of HB 340 is an important step toward keeping our students focused on learning rather than distracted by cell phones,” said Michael O’Sullivan, Executive Director of GeorgiaCAN. “We applaud Representative Scott Hilton for authoring this vital legislation and Senator Jason Anavitarte for his sponsorship in the Senate. We appreciate the strong, bipartisan support for the Distraction-Free Education Act in both legislative chambers.”
29 House members voted against the bill while two opposed the bill in the Senate.
To read the full text of HB 340, please click here.
