DeKalb Schools Disconnect for Classroom Success

In a move gaining traction across the nation, Atlanta’s DeKalb County School District is seeing remarkable success with its “Disconnect to Reconnect” program, effectively banning student cellphone use during school hours. This local initiative, exemplified by Lakeside High School, highlights a growing commitment to fostering more focused and engaged learning environments right here in our community.

Atlanta Area Embraces Focused Learning

At Lakeside High School in Atlanta, siblings Angus and Sam, like all students, are now required to keep their phones stowed away in their backpacks once on campus. This policy, part of the DeKalb County School District’s proactive “Disconnect to Reconnect” program, aims to minimize distractions and enhance the educational experience. Teachers, like social studies instructor Lauren Boggs, previously described the classroom as a “losing battle” for student attention due to constant phone use, which she observed led to a significant decrease in grades. Now, with phones out of sight, educators report a tangible shift.

Tangible Benefits: Improved Conduct and Engagement

The impact of DeKalb County’s pilot program has been immediate and positive. According to Lakeside High Principal Susan Stoddard, the year since the cellphone ban’s introduction has led to a “big change.” Student conduct has improved across the board, and disruptions have significantly decreased. Students are demonstrably more engaged in their learning, transforming the classroom atmosphere into one more conducive to academic achievement and personal growth. This local success story provides a powerful example for other districts considering similar policies.

A Regional and National Trend

DeKalb County isn’t alone in recognizing the need for less screen time in schools. More than half of U.S. states now have laws that either ban or regulate cellphone use in educational settings. New York, for instance, enacted a K-12 bell-to-bell ban in public and charter school classrooms starting this academic year. Closer to home, Georgia is set to join this list with a bill signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp, banning cellphone use for K-8 students statewide beginning in the summer of 2026. However, DeKalb County’s local rules are stricter, extending the ban to high schools—a testament to its commitment to a comprehensive approach. This local leadership in DeKalb County sets a precedent that other Georgia counties may soon follow.

Comparing Policies: DeKalb vs. Georgia State Law

Frequently Asked Questions About School Cellphone Bans

• What is DeKalb County’s “Disconnect to Reconnect” program?
  It’s a district-wide initiative banning student cellphone use during the school day, requiring phones to be stored in backpacks.
• Which schools are currently affected in the Atlanta area?
  The DeKalb County School District has implemented this policy, with Lakeside High School as a notable example of its pilot program.
• How does DeKalb’s policy compare to Georgia’s upcoming state law?
  DeKalb’s policy is stricter, extending the ban to high school students, whereas the state law (effective 2026) will only cover K-8 schools.
• What positive results have been observed?
  Schools report improved student conduct, increased engagement, and a significant reduction in classroom disruptions, contributing to a better learning environment.

As DeKalb County continues to reap the benefits of creating dedicated, distraction-free learning spaces, it serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best way to move forward in education is to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with the core purpose of school.

DeKalb Schools Phone Ban Boosts Classroom Focus