Distraction-Free Education Act; enact

Georgia schoolchildren face personal device limits

No later than July 1, 2026, Georgia public school students in kindergarten through grade 8 face a personal-device ban. It covers the first instructional bell through the final bell, including breaks, transitions, assemblies, and other on-campus activities. Students cannot view, hold, wear, or use devices such as phones, smartwatches, tablets, and headphones. Remote instruction away from campus is excluded. Necessary access remains allowed when an Individualized Education Program, Section 504 plan, or medical plan explicitly requires it. These plans must require device use for medical or educational purposes; other legal exceptions also apply. Schools can still provide devices for learning and cannot waive the ban through the listed school-system or charter-school waiver rules. By January 1, 2026, schools and local school systems must adopt rules for secure storage and off-site activities. These rules must cover field trips, transportation, sports, and extracurricular events. Parents must contact the school to reach students during the school day; school personnel coordinate emergency communications through school systems. Schools must monitor enforcement, inform families and students, regularly review policies, and use progressive discipline consistent with student conduct codes. Consequences can include warnings, confiscation, and parent notification. Georgia's Department of Education must provide guidance and technical support. The law adds no explicit household taxes, fees, fines, or other monetary penalties.