Georgia Lawmakers Advance Bill to Ban Cellphones in High Schools

The proposed legislation would expand an existing cellphone ban to grades 9-12 starting in the 2027-28 school year.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:39pm

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Georgia lawmakers are advancing a bill that would ban cellphone use in high schools statewide. House Bill 1009 would expand an existing cellphone restriction for grades K-8 to also include grades 9-12 starting in the 2027-28 school year. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Scott Hilton, aims to reduce classroom disruptions and allow teachers to focus on instruction rather than policing cellphone use.

Why it matters

This bill is part of a broader debate around the role of technology in education and the impact of cellphones on student learning and classroom management. Proponents argue that limiting cellphone use will improve focus and engagement, while critics raise concerns about public safety and emergencies.

The details

House Bill 1009 would enforce a "bell-to-bell" cellphone ban for high school students, with exemptions for those in dual enrollment or work-based programs. The bill is being refined to address concerns raised by a subcommittee about public safety, emergencies, and added classroom management responsibilities for teachers.

  • The cellphone ban for grades K-8 was passed last year.
  • The proposed expansion to grades 9-12 would take effect in the 2027-28 school year.

The players

Rep. Scott Hilton

The Republican representative from District 48 who sponsored House Bill 1009.

Gwinnett County Police

Police officers who were struck by gunfire in a separate incident on Sunday morning.

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What they’re saying

“The issue is we want teachers to teach, and students to learn, and our teachers not be cell phone police. If we have a policy that says instruction time you have to deal with in and out — kids get that, teachers get that.”

— Rep. Scott Hilton (WRDW)

What’s next

The bill is being refined to address concerns raised by the subcommittee, and will likely undergo further debate and amendments before a final vote.

The takeaway

This proposed cellphone ban in Georgia high schools reflects a broader trend of schools and policymakers grappling with the role of technology in education and the need to balance student safety, learning, and classroom management.