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Gov. Kemp signs bill banning cellphones in class for Georgia high school students into law
The law covers cell phones, tablets, smartwatches and headphones, while students with IEP, Section 504 or medical plans may still use devices.
- On Tuesday, Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 1009, extending Georgia's ban on personal electronic devices to high school students and creating a "distraction-free education" environment across all K-12 public schools starting in the 2027-28 school year.
- Expanding on a law passed last year that restricted devices in kindergarten through eighth grade, House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, championed the bill to address classroom distractions and student mental health concerns.
- Research from Emory University and Georgia Southern University backed the measure, which passed the Georgia Senate 52-0; Margaret Ciccarelli of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators noted roughly 90% of teachers surveyed supported the extension.
- Local school systems will determine enforcement methods, such as storage or collection, while students whose Individualized Education Program, Section 504 Plan, or medical plan requires device access will maintain necessary technology use.
- Despite the support, Layla Renee Contreras and other safety advocates worry the ban limits emergency communication, citing the 2024 tragedy at Apalachee High School as evidence that student phone access remains vital during crises.
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Governor signs off on literacy push, ban on cell phones in Georgia high schools
Rep. Scott Hilton jokingly pretends to take a phone call as Gov. Brian Kemp signs his bill banning high schoolers from using personal electronic devices during school hours. Ross Williams/Georgia RecorderA major initiative to boost childhood literacy and a ban on cell phones in high school classrooms were among a suite of new Georgia education bills signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Brian Kemp. “Here in the No. 1 state for business and opportunity…
Morgan County Citizen+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
In ‘monumental step,’ Kemp signs education package led by new literacy law
ATLANTA — A bipartisan education initiative that seeks to boost reading skills among young public school students in Georgia will go into effect this year after Gov. Brian Kemp signed it into law Tuesday, along with a package of other…
·Madison, United States
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Total News Sources19
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution91% Center
Bias Distribution
- 91% of the sources are Center
91% Center
C 91%
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