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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 include high school students in a "distraction-free education" environment across all K-12 public schools starting in the 2027-28 school year.
- Championed by House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, the legislation builds on a law passed last year that restricted devices in kindergarten through eighth grade, addressing what Burns argues are classroom distractions affecting student mental health.
- Research from Emory University and Georgia Southern University backed the measure, which passed the Georgia Senate 52-0, while Margaret Ciccarelli of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators said roughly 90% of teachers surveyed favored the extension.
- Local school systems will determine enforcement methods, including device storage or collection, though students whose Individualized Education Program, Section 504 Plan, or medical plan requires access will maintain necessary technology.
- Despite the support, student organizer Layla Renee Contreras and safety advocates worry the ban limits emergency communication, citing the 2024 tragedy at Apalachee High School as evidence 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+4 Reposted by 4 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 Sources16
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution89% Center
Bias Distribution
- 89% of the sources are Center
89% Center
11%
C 89%
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