Georgia Considers Expanding Cellphone Ban to High Schools
The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) recently unveiled its legislative priorities for the upcoming year, signaling significant changes for schools across the state. Among the key proposals are substantial raises for teachers and staff, free lunch for educators, and a notable expansion of cellphone bans to include Georgia high schools, building on the success seen in younger grades.
A Push for Focused Learning: Expanding the Cellphone Ban
The GaDOE aims to create a more focused learning environment for students. This ambition is central to the proposed expansion of the Distraction-Free Education Act, which currently prohibits cellphones in K-8 classrooms, to now include high school settings. This move comes after growing discussions in the state Senate regarding technology restrictions in K-12 schools, with presentations to lawmakers on November 12 highlighting privacy concerns and the impact of devices.
Evidence Supporting the Ban: Local Success Stories
The push for expanding the cellphone ban is heavily influenced by positive outcomes observed in districts that implemented similar policies early. Marietta School Superintendent Grant Rivera shared compelling results from his district’s 2024 cellphone ban, which preceded the statewide K-8 legislation. Rivera’s presentation highlighted that “cellphones/social media [serve] as a catalyst for student altercations, harassment, and bullying,” severely impacting student well-being and the learning environment.
The impact of Marietta’s ban was significant:
| Area of Impact | Observed Outcome Post-Ban (K-8) |
|---|---|
| Learning Outcomes | 22% improvement between school years |
| Student Altercations | Decreased drastically |
| Harassment & Bullying | Decreased drastically |
| Student & Teacher Reactions | Overwhelmingly positive responses |
Further supporting the proposal, research from Georgia Southern University revealed strong support for cellphone restrictions or bans among high school educators. Survey respondents emphasized the potential benefits, stating, “Behavior issues and fights would decrease drastically. Student learning and test scores would skyrocket in a positive direction,” and noting how phones have “affected everything from attention span to attitude.” These sentiments underscore a widespread desire among educators for a less distracted classroom. A Kennesaw State University (KSU) study also found that the positive impacts of school phone bans extend not just to students but also to teachers.
Beyond Cellphones: Supporting Georgia’s Educators
In addition to the cellphone ban expansion, the GaDOE’s legislative priorities include a robust package aimed at strengthening the educational workforce and providing more resources to teachers. These proposals demonstrate a commitment to both student learning and educator well-being.
Key initiatives include:
- Providing teachers with $10,000 raises over five years.
- Expanding salaries for veteran teachers who have served for 21 years or more.
- Requesting increased compensation for educators holding leadership degrees.
- Offering free lunch to teachers at Georgia schools.
- Allocating more funding to purchase essential classroom supplies.
- Adding funds to ensure a school resource officer is present in every Georgia school.
Superintendent Woods articulated the department’s vision, stating, “These priorities reflect our continued commitment to students, educators, and local communities. I look forward to working alongside Governor Kemp and the General Assembly to build on Georgia’s strong foundation and advance our shared vision of making Georgia the Top State for Talent.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main legislative priorities from the Georgia Department of Education?
The GaDOE is proposing expanding the cellphone ban to high schools, providing teacher raises, offering free lunch for educators, increasing funding for classroom supplies, and placing a school resource officer in every school. - Why is the cellphone ban being considered for high schools?
The proposal is based on evidence from K-8 implementations, like in Marietta Schools, showing significant improvements in learning outcomes, reduced student altercations, and positive feedback from both students and teachers. Research from Georgia Southern University also indicates strong support from high school educators. - What specific improvements were noted in Marietta Schools after the K-8 cellphone ban?
Marietta Schools saw a 22% improvement in learning outcomes for K-8 students, a drastic decrease in student altercations, harassment, and bullying, and overall positive reactions from the school community. - What financial benefits are proposed for Georgia teachers?
Teachers could receive $10,000 raises over five years, expanded salaries for those with 21+ years of service, and increased compensation for educators with leadership degrees, in addition to free lunch.
As these legislative priorities move forward, Atlanta residents, particularly parents, students, and educators, should pay close attention to the discussions and potential impact on local schools. The aim is clear: to foster an environment where students can thrive academically and behaviorally, supported by a well-resourced and valued teaching staff.
Georgia Considers High School Cellphone Ban
