A Georgia legislator has introduced legislation that would limit phone access for students in elementary and middle school grades during school hours. State Rep. Scott Hilton, R-Peachtree Corners, said The Distraction-Free Schools Act, HB 340, is aimed at creating distraction-free learning environments in Georgia’s public schools for grades K-8.
The proposed bill would require schools to implement policies that prevent K-8 students from accessing cell phones and other digital devices from the start of the school day until the final bell, ensuring students remain engaged in their education without unnecessary interruptions.
“Our schools should be places of learning, free from the distractions of social media and non-educational screen time,” said Hilton. “This legislation ensures that Georgia students can focus on what matters most— their education, personal development and mental health. This initiative aligns with growing national momentum toward phone-free schools, a bipartisan movement that has gained traction across the country.
“Research, including the acclaimed work of social psychologist Dr. Jonathan Haidt and data from the American Academy of Pediatrics, has underscored the negative impact of excessive phone use on student mental health, focus and academic performance,” Hilton added.
Hilton pointed to studies that show that limiting phone access during the school day leads to improved classroom engagement, better academic outcomes and healthier social interactions among students. In 2024, at least 19 states passed bills or enacted policies that restrict cell phone use in schools statewide or encourage local districts to establish their own restrictions, Hilton said. More than half the states are considering similar legislation so far this year.
According to information from Hilton, teachers report that classroom disruptions caused by phone use make instruction more difficult, while parents and administrators see the benefits of reducing screen time during the school day. More than half of surveyed Georgia teachers say cell phones and social media are a major issue in their schools across all grades, with over 85 percent of high school teachers and 68 percent of 6-8th grade teachers reporting phones as a problem.”
“As a parent, I fully support limiting cell phone use in Georgia schools,” said Loreal Burns, who is an educator in Marietta and parent of a high school freshman. “Reducing distractions helps
students stay focused, improve academically, and develop essential social skills. A focused classroom benefits all learners, especially those who need extra support.”
