Phone-Free Schools: What Georgia’s New Law Means for K–8 Districts
Georgia joins the national phone-free movement with a new K–8 law—and early results from districts show it’s already working.
In May 2025, Governor Brian Kemp signed the Distraction-Free Education Act (HB 340) into law—a major step toward helping Georgia students regain focus and connection in the classroom.
Starting July 1, 2026, all public K–8 schools in Georgia will be required to implement bell-to-bell cellphone bans. The law applies to personal internet-connected devices including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, headphones, laptops, and smart glasses.
School-issued devices are allowed at the district’s discretion.
Exceptions apply for students with IEPs/504 plans, medical needs, or emergencies.
What the Ban Requires for Georgia Districts
Starting in the 2026–27 school year, every public K–8 school in Georgia must:
Prohibit personal internet-connected devices bell-to-bell: Including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, smart headphones, and smart glasses.
Establish appropriate methods for storing students' personal electronic devices, including, but not limited to, a student's locker, a locked pouch, or a designated place in the classroom.
Allow exemptions for students with IEPs/504 plans, medical needs, or emergencies.
Adopt and publish written policies detailing the enforcement process, storage approach, and consequences for violations.
Ensure district-level approval of phone-free policies and communicate clearly with families and staff.
School-issued instructional devices are still allowed at each district’s discretion.
What State Leaders Are Saying
With strong bipartisan support and statewide momentum, Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act marks a pivotal step toward reclaiming student focus and safety. From the statehouse to the classroom, leaders are voicing their support for a learning environment free from digital distractions.
Governor Brian Kemp, signing HB 340 in May 2025:
“This legislation ensures our students can concentrate on their studies without the constant interruption of smartphones and social media. It’s about getting back to the basics—reading, writing, and real interaction.”
Rep. Chris Erwin (R–Homer), House Education Committee Chair and bill sponsor, summed it up:
“We are not banning cell phones. We are simply saying from bell to bell, students need to be focused in the classroom.”
State Superintendent Richard Woods added the research-backed support:
“Schools that proactively removed phones from the school day are already seeing real results—from improved behavior to stronger academic performance. This law builds on that progress statewide.”
Georgia Schools Can Use Safety Funding for Yondr
The Georgia Department of Education has confirmed that lockable phone storage solutions—like those included in Yondr’s Phone-Free Schools Program—are eligible for state safety grant funding. Tools without a security feature (like open phone caddies or wall-hung cubbies) are considered classroom organization items and are not eligible.
While lockable pouches are not yet formally listed in DOE funding documents, further guidance related to HB 340 is expected soon.
Here’s what’s available to schools in 2025:
$47,000 in annual safety funds per school building
$21,000 in supplemental safety funding this year
$68,000 total per building available now
This funding opens the door for Georgia schools to adopt secure phone-free solutions—without budget strain.
Early Results from Georgia Schools
Districts across the state aren’t waiting until 2026. Many have already partnered with Yondr—and the results speak for themselves.
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Located in Cobb County and serving over 8,900 students across 11 schools, Marietta was among the first Georgia districts to adopt phone-free policies with Yondr.
“The students…understand the need to put those distractions away and focus on the purpose of being here.”
— Principal Keynun Campbell, Marietta Sixth Grade Academy8% reduction in student referrals
21% decrease in student fighting
Notable improvements in face-to-face interaction and classroom participation
Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera has emphasized the cultural shift:
“Students themselves are reporting that their classrooms are a better learning environment.”
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Serving over 1,400 students in the heart of Fulton County, Midtown High School implemented phone-free classrooms to enhance connection and learning.
“Our phone usage in classrooms is almost none... All of the things we hoped to accomplish this year have been amazingly successful.”
— Susana Roberts, Graduation Coach -
One of Georgia’s largest districts, DeKalb serves more than 93,000 students across 140+ schools in metro Atlanta. The district piloted Yondr in five middle schools and five high schools.
15–16% decrease in student suspensions
70% drop in due process referrals (used in serious disciplinary cases)
84% of students reported improved engagement
68% of teachers observed academic improvement
Principal Sedrick Anthony of Sequoyah Middle School noted:
“I see kids talking more than they would have in the past. The cafeteria is a little bit noisier, but I’m OK with that.”
Reclaiming the Learning Environment for Students and Staff
Effective classroom management benefits everyone. When devices are removed from the academic day, teachers report reduced stress, more time for actual instruction, and fewer disruptions. Phone-free policies are creating more focused and rewarding learning environments for the entire school community.
Recent data shows positive impacts in schools that have implemented these policies:
A pilot study from Auburn University found that teachers in a phone-free middle school reported increased social interaction among students and said the new environment made their work more meaningful and sustainable (Auburn University).
Research from Western Kentucky University found that the majority of teachers reported being distracted by students using their phones during class, impacting their ability to teach effectively (Western Kentucky University).
A 2024 Pew Research Center report cited by the NEA showed that 90% of teachers support banning phones during instructional time, with many linking phone use to increased teacher frustration and burnout (NEA.org).
Yondr’s Georgia Team Is Here to Help
Yondr’s Phone-Free Schools Program is ready to help school districts throughout Georgia develop phone policies that align with the legislative requirements. We provide both in-person and virtual consultations to answer all your questions and support seamless implementation.
Our services include:
Customized policy development tailored to your district’s needs
Comprehensive training and onboarding for staff, students, and parents
Secure, durable pouches that let students keep phones—without the distractions
Reliable unlocking infrastructure to ensure smooth daily operations
Ongoing support to guarantee long-term success
Join the growing number of Georgia schools partnering with Yondr to build distraction-free classrooms that work—for everyone.
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To learn more about the Yondr Program, click below to request a free demo or consultation.
Yondr has offices in California, New York, Minnesota, London, and Sydney.
