Georgia Lawmakers Consider Expanding Cellphone Ban to High Schools

Surveys show strong support from parents and teachers for prohibiting personal devices during school hours.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:15am

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Georgia lawmakers are considering expanding a ban on cellphones in schools to include high schools, following the implementation of a similar ban for K-8 students starting next fall. New surveys suggest overwhelming support for the idea from parents and teachers, who believe phones are disruptive and can negatively impact student learning and mental health. While some have concerns about emergency access, experts argue effective policies can address those issues.

Why it matters

The proposed high school cellphone ban is part of a broader effort in Georgia to address the disruptive impact of personal devices in the classroom and promote student well-being. With growing evidence of the academic and mental health consequences of excessive screen time, the state is seeking to empower schools and teachers to limit distractions and foster more productive learning environments.

The details

The bill to expand the cellphone ban to high schools, introduced by Rep. Scott Hilton, is expected to receive its first hearing in the coming weeks. While the existing K-8 ban does not take effect statewide until next fall, many schools have already voluntarily prohibited phones. Hilton said he expects the high school expansion to be similarly popular, though some have raised logistical concerns around scheduling and after-school activities. Surveys by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators and the Emory Center for Child Health Policy found strong support for the ban from both educators and parents, with high school teachers being the most enthusiastic. Safety experts have also testified that phones can be a dangerous distraction during emergencies.

  • The existing K-8 cellphone ban takes effect statewide in Georgia in fall 2023.
  • The proposed high school cellphone ban would take effect in fall 2027.

The players

Rep. Scott Hilton

The Republican state representative who introduced the bill to expand the cellphone ban to high schools.

Margaret Ciccarelli

The director of legislative services for the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, which surveyed its members on the cellphone ban.

Julie Gazmararian

A professor of epidemiology at the Rollins School of Public Health who wrote a report on the Emory Center for Child Health Policy's survey of Georgia parents.

Layla Contreras

A 24-year-old whose sister, a senior at Apalachee High School, texted her during school emergencies.

Richard Woods

The Republican state superintendent of schools who asked lawmakers for a high school cellphone ban, citing mental health and academic concerns.

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What they’re saying

“Why do they want these bans? Because they believe that phones are very disruptive.”

— Margaret Ciccarelli, Director of Legislative Services, Professional Association of Georgia Educators (valdostadailytimes.com)

“Parents' concerns about emergency access are valid and understandable. However, effective cellphone policies can address this by establishing rapid parent notification systems and guaranteed access to phones when needed.”

— Julie Gazmararian, Professor of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health (valdostadailytimes.com)

“We need to teach our kids more discipline and more responsibility rather than just taking it away, because when they enter the workforce, they're not going to take away their phones.”

— Layla Contreras (valdostadailytimes.com)

“This is both an academic and a mental health issue.”

— Richard Woods, State Superintendent of Schools (valdostadailytimes.com)

What’s next

The bill to expand the cellphone ban to high schools is expected to receive its first hearing in the Georgia legislature in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Georgia's proposed high school cellphone ban reflects a growing consensus among parents, educators, and policymakers that limiting personal device use during the school day can improve student learning, mental health, and safety. While concerns about emergency access remain, experts believe effective policies can address those issues while empowering schools to create more focused, productive learning environments.