As students headed back to class across Walker County this week, many are returning under new statewide rules limiting the use of personal electronic devices during the school day.
Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act requires all public school districts to prohibit students in kindergarten through eighth grade from accessing personal electronic devices during the school day. The law applies to devices such as cell phones, smartwatches and tablets, with limited exceptions permitted under state law.
Supporters of the legislation say the goal is to reduce classroom distractions, improve student engagement and create a more focused learning environment.
To comply with the law, school districts across Georgia were required to adopt policies outlining how personal devices will be stored during the school day, how violations will be handled, and how parents can communicate with students when necessary.
The restrictions apply only to students’ personal electronic devices. School-issued computers, tablets and other technology used for classroom instruction are not affected by the new law.