Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill into law Friday banning personal electronic devices, like cellphones, during the school day for kindergarten through eighth graders in public schools.
In addition to smartphones, House Bill 340 bans devices like smartwatches, tablets, laptops, headphones and other devices that can transmit information electronically or connect to the Internet. The ban excludes school-issued laptops and other devices, however, as well as personal electronic devices required under a student’s Individualized Education Program, Section 504 plan or medical plan.
Republican State Rep. Scott Hilton, the sponsor of the Distraction-Free Education Act, said this is a “bell-to-bell” ban, meaning that it applies from the beginning to the end of the school day.
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