A sweeping bill banning personal devices for Georgia’s kindergarten through middle school students is one step away from becoming law, after clearing the Senate with near-unanimous support.
A Landslide Senate Vote Pushes the Bill Forward
The Georgia Senate made its stance clear Tuesday, passing House Bill 340 with a commanding 54-2 vote. The bill, designed to curb classroom distractions, now awaits Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature. If signed, the law will require public schools to limit student access to smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, Bluetooth headphones, e-readers, and other personal gadgets during the school day.
Sen. Matt Brass, R-Newnan, and Sen. Jason Anavitarte, R-Dallas, watched as the votes rolled in — a moment that underscored how the push for less screen time has gained traction across party lines.
“This isn’t about punishing kids,” Brass said after the vote. “It’s about giving teachers the ability to teach without competing against TikTok and text messages.”
Schools Must Set Policies by 2026
If the bill becomes law, Georgia’s public schools must establish clear, enforceable policies by Jan. 1, 2026. Full implementation would follow by July 1, 2026.
The bill allows schools some flexibility in crafting their guidelines, particularly when it comes to extracurriculars and off-campus activities. However, the core requirement is firm: personal devices must stay out of students’ hands during instructional time.
One line in the bill stands out: it mandates storage solutions for devices. This means schools must figure out whether phones get locked away in pouches, stored in lockers, or handled through another system.
“We trust local districts to decide what works best for their communities,” Anavitarte said. “But the goal remains the same — fewer distractions, better learning environments.”
Mixed Reactions from Parents and Educators
Not everyone’s cheering. Some parents argue the bill overreaches, cutting off communication between children and families. Others see it as overdue.
“I want my daughter to be able to text me if something happens,” said Atlanta parent Michelle Rainer. “Emergencies don’t wait for school hours.”
But others, like Cobb County teacher Sarah McGowan, welcome the change.
“I spend more time asking kids to put their phones away than I do helping them with math,” McGowan said. “It’s exhausting. This gives teachers a fighting chance.”
The bill’s authors emphasize that emergency contact policies will remain intact. Students would still have access to phones in urgent situations — just not during regular class time.
What Happens if Schools Don’t Comply?
Georgia’s Department of Education will oversee the rollout, ensuring schools meet the January 2026 policy deadline. But what happens if a district lags behind?
The bill outlines potential penalties for non-compliance, though details remain scarce. It’s likely that funding could come into play.
A similar law in Tennessee ties device bans to state funding. Some speculate Georgia could follow suit, though nothing in HB 340 explicitly mentions financial consequences yet.
For now, schools are left to prepare — and parents, students, and educators alike are watching to see how Kemp responds.
