The Georgia General Assembly passed, and the governor signed into law, O.C.G.A. 20-2-1183 during the 2025 legislative session, in an effort to promote a distraction-free learning environment and improve student interaction. This legislation prohibits the use of cell phones in grades PK-8 from the first bell in the morning to start school until the last bell of the day to end school. It further requires that all devices be tethered during that time. Telephones are available for use in the office before and after school and in extreme emergencies. Students who are sick and need to call home to report to the nurse. Only in extreme cases, such as family emergencies and/or serious illness or death in the immediate family, will the office give students telephone messages or allow them to use the office telephone. To preserve instructional time and minimize disruptions, the use of cellular phones and other electronic communication devices, such as but not limited to smartwatches, smart glasses, and tablets, during the school day is prohibited. Students should not use, display, or have cellular phones turned on during the school day.

No Personal Electronic Device Policy Goal: To maintain a "bell-to-bell" distraction-free environment. All personal electronic devices must be powered off and stored (in lockers, pouches, or backpacks) from the first morning bell until the final dismissal bell.

Consequences (Personal Electronic Device Violations) 

• The 1st offense will be loss of Bulldog Break, parent notification, and confiscation for 1 school day. The personal electronic device will be returned to the student at the end of the next school day.  Students cannot refuse to turn over personal electronic devices to the teacher. 

• The 2nd offense will result in loss of two Bulldog Break periods,  parent notification, and confiscation for 3 school days. The personal electronic device will be returned to the student. Students cannot refuse to turn over personal electronic devices to the teacher. 

• The 3rd offense will result in three days ISS and parent notification. 

• The 4th offense will result in five days ISS and parent conference. 

• The 5th offense will result in one day OSS and a Behavior Contract. 

NOTE: 

1. When a student’s electronic device has been confiscated, the student is not to have in his/her possession another personal electronic device.

2. Any student refusing to hand over a personal electronic device will be subject to the consequences of insubordination. 

*The school system and schools will not be responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices.

**For more information, please refer to BOE policy JCDAF: Use of Electronic Devices