Education; enact policies and procedures for use of personal electronic devices at school and school sponsored events by students in grades nine through twelve; require local school systems

Georgia students face new device rules

Georgia public school students cannot access personal electronic devices on campus from the first bell to the last. The law states deadlines of July 1, 2026, for grades K–8 and July 1, 2027, for grades 9–12. The act’s effective date is December 31, 2026, which falls after the stated K–8 deadline. Students learning remotely away from campus are excluded. Exceptions apply when law permits access or an individualized education program, Section 504 plan, or medical plan explicitly requires use. Schools must adopt device policies by January 1 each year and revise them as needed. Policies must cover secure storage, school-sponsored events, field trips, transportation, sports, extracurricular activities, dual enrollment, work-based learning, and apprenticeships. Parents must contact the school to reach students during the school day; school staff must coordinate emergency communications through school systems. Violations bring progressive consequences under school conduct rules, including warnings, confiscation, and parent notification. Schools must inform families, monitor compliance, and regularly review the rules’ effectiveness. School-provided equipment remains allowed for instruction, and e-readers are removed from the personal-device list. The Department of Education must provide guidance and support; specified school-waiver laws cannot waive these requirements.