Just a year after Georgia implemented a statewide ban on cell phones in K–8 classrooms, lawmakers are considering a new bill that would extend the restriction to high schools, potentially changing daily routines for students across Baldwin County.
House Bill 340, also known as the Distraction-Free Education Act, currently requires public elementary and middle schools to limit student access to personal electronic devices during instructional time. The proposed bill would apply the same policy to high school classrooms.
Baldwin County School District adopted its K–8 cell phone policy early in July 2024, instead of waiting until the state’s deadline in 2026. Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks said the decision has already produced noticeable improvements in both student behavior and academic performance.
“Since implementing the phone-free environ ment for K–8 students, the district has observed a significant shift in both behavioral and academic metrics,” Brooks said.
“Classroom observations and administrative walk throughs have shown a significant improvement in student engagement.”
Brooks added that formative i-Ready data indicates an improve ment in literacy scores, which she partially attri butes to fewer distrac tions in the classroom.
“We continue to note that rather than rushing through assignments to get back to their phones, students are developing the necessary stamina for long-form reading and critical thinking,” Brooks said.
At school entrances, metal detectors in grades 6–12 are calibrated to alert staff if a device is detected. The student code of conduct was also revised to include progressive discipline for violations. If a phone is confiscated, a parent or guardian must come to the school in person to retrieve it.
School Board Chair Dr. Gloria Wicker said the policy has had no negative impact amongst the Baldwin County community.
“There were a few parents who voiced their displeasure at the ban,” Wicker said. “But since the ban began, the displeasure from parents has ceased.”
Wicker said teachers are expected to collect phones when found in classrooms, and parents are contacted to pick them up. If phones are banned in high schools, the same enforcement model would be used.
While K–8 schools are currently covered under the law, Baldwin High School already prohibits phone use during instruc tional time. Brooks said the school would modify its procedures if the proposed legisla tion passes to remain compliant with state law.
“The overarching goal remains consistent, developing responsible, engaged young adults who are prepared to contribute productively to society,” Brooks said.
Community members expressed mixed reac tions to the possibility of expanding the ban.
Linda Youman said phones can be essential in emergencies.
“It has shown as a lifeline during an active shooter situation, so I say students should have their phones at school,” Youman said.
Barbara Hill ques tioned the motivation behind the policy.
“Phones were allowed until teachers and staff were being recorded doing or saying things they shouldn’t to the students; now it’s a problem,” Hill said.
Others strongly supported the restric tions. Wanda Zvanut, a former teacher and administrator, said banning phones improves classroom conditions.
“Speaking from inside the problem, instruction expands, attention spans increase, and bullying decreases,” Zvanut said.
If approved by state lawmakers, the high school phone ban would take effect during the 2027-2028 school year, making Georgia one of the few states to imple ment a restriction on student devices from kindergarten through 12th grade.