Georgia lawmakers have unveiled a new framework to shield children from online dangers, focusing on social media addiction and AI risks in schools. Released on December 29, 2025, the bipartisan report aims to update outdated laws amid rising concerns from parents and experts.
Report Highlights Key Online Threats
The 33-page report stems from five months of hearings with parents, teachers, mental health experts, and tech specialists. It points out how current Georgia laws fail to match the fast pace of digital tech that kids use daily.
Lawmakers heard stories of excessive screen time leading to addiction and privacy breaches. The document stresses that social media platforms often prioritize profits over child safety, echoing national debates on tech regulation.
One major worry is AI tools in education. Students use them for homework, but experts warn this can harm real learning and expose kids to biased or harmful content.
The report does not ban tech outright. Instead, it calls for balanced rules that empower families while holding companies accountable.
Proposed Changes for Schools and Devices
A key recommendation expands the state’s cellphone ban. Right now, it covers elementary and middle schools from bell to bell. The new plan would include high schools to cut distractions and curb social media use during class.
Schools might also get guidelines for AI. This includes training teachers on safe use and setting limits on student access to prevent cheating or overreliance.
- Expand cellphone bans to all K-12 schools during school hours.
- Require parental controls on school devices for better monitoring.
- Mandate annual reports on tech use and its impact on student mental health.
These steps aim to create safer learning spaces without stifling innovation. Lawmakers like Republican Sen. Shawn Still say tech firms will fight back, but protecting kids comes first.
Democratic Sen. Sally Harrell added that without action, problems like online bullying and data theft will worsen. The framework draws from similar efforts in states like Virginia and Tennessee, where limits on kids’ social media time have sparked debate.
Industry Pushback and Student Views
Tech companies argue that families should handle screen time decisions. They warn state rules could create confusion across the U.S. and slow down helpful AI advancements.
Groups like those representing social media giants claim existing tools, such as age verification and content filters, already address many issues. Yet, critics say these fall short, as platforms still push addictive features to keep users hooked.
Students offer mixed opinions. Some, like 17-year-old Ankita Jaikumar from Lambert High School, support AI limits in class to boost real learning. Others worry that strict rules might block access to useful online resources.
| Concern | Current Issue | Proposed Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Social Media Addiction | Algorithms designed to keep kids scrolling endlessly | Limit addictive features and require parental consent for minors |
| AI in Schools | Unsupervised use leading to cheating and misinformation | Set classroom guidelines and teacher training programs |
| Data Privacy | Companies collecting kids’ info without clear rules | Strengthen protections and mandate transparent data practices |
| Screen Time | Excessive use linked to mental health problems | Expand school bans and promote family education on limits |
This table shows how the framework targets specific problems with practical solutions. It builds on laws like Georgia’s 2024 Protecting Children on Social Media Act, which required parental consent for under-16 accounts.
Broader Impact on Families and Future Laws
Parents play a big role in the plan. The report suggests more education on tools like warning labels for apps, similar to those on cigarettes. This could help families spot mental health risks from heavy use.
Experts like Emory University’s David Schweidel compare social media to addictive products. He notes that clear warnings might change how people view these platforms.
The framework ties into national trends. In 2025, Congress revisited bills like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), aiming for federal standards. Georgia’s move could influence those talks, especially as states like Florida and Ohio defend similar laws in court.
Looking ahead, the report sets the stage for bills in the January 2026 session. Lawmakers expect debates, but bipartisan support gives it momentum. Recent events, such as a 2025 federal push against AI deepfakes harming kids, add urgency.
This comes amid growing evidence. A 2025 study from the American Psychological Association linked teen social media use to higher anxiety rates, up 15 percent since 2020. Georgia aims to lead by example, balancing tech benefits with child protection.
What Happens Next for Georgia Families
The committee’s work wraps up a year of focus on digital safety. With AI booming in homes and schools, the timing feels right. Parents who testified shared emotional stories of kids struggling with online pressures.
Logical next steps include public input sessions before laws take shape. This ensures the rules help without overreaching.
As a journalist with two decades covering policy and tech, I see this as part of a wider shift. States are stepping up where federal action lags, driven by real family needs.
Share your thoughts in the comments: How do you manage your kids’ online time? Spread this article to start conversations on child safety.
