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Georgia's Bell-to-Bell Law: Maximize Learning, Minimize Distractions

Maximize Learning, Minimize Distractions

In the foreground, a smartwatch, a video game console, a smartphone, and a tablet are displayed, while the background features a red circle with a white cross and text stating 'PERSONAL ELECTRONICS ARE NOT PERMITTED' and 'NOT PERMITTED IN SCHOOL.'

Personal electronics:

No student shall access personal electronics from the first bell, beginning the start of the instructional day, until the final bell signaling the end of the instructional day.

Personal electronics include: Cell Phones, Tablets, Smart Watches, IPADS

Georgia has introduced a new statewide "bell-to-bell" law designed to reduce classroom distractions and help students focus on their schoolwork. This policy removes personal electronic devices, specifically smartphones and smartwatches, from the instructional day.

Students in all grade levels must keep their electronic devices put away in their bookbags for the duration of the school day.

Devices are still permitted in specific situations, including:

  • Students with approved medical needs.
  • Accommodations outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan.
  • Approved off-campus activities, such as field trips, work-based learning, or dual-enrollment programs.

Parents and guardians will need to adjust how they communicate during the school day because students will not have access to their electronic devices. All emergency contacts must go through official school management channels, and parents needing to reach their child immediately should call the school's front office directly.

RULE 20: ARTICLES UNRELATED TO SCHOOL INSTRUCTION - electronic communication devices

No student shall access personal electronics from the first bell beginning the start of the instructional day until the final bell signaling the end of the instructional day. The school assumes no responsibility or liability for lost or damaged cell phones or personal digital devices if brought to school.

Kindergarten - Twelfth Grade

Unauthorized use of a cell phone, smartwatch, or other digital device during school day or on a school bus may result in the following:

1

First offense – staff member confiscates device and submits a behavior referral; staff member gives device to administration; administration contacts parents; student picks up device at the end of the school day.

2

Second offense – staff member confiscates the device and submits a behavior referral; staff member gives device to administration; administration contacts parents; student will serve one day of OSS; parent picks up the device from the school at the end of the school day.

3

Third offense – staff member confiscates the device and submits a behavior referral; staff member gives the device to administration; administration contacts parents; student will serve three days of OSS; parent picks up the device at the end of the school day.

4

Fourth offense – staff member confiscates the device and submits a behavioral referral; staff member gives the device to administration; administration contacts parents; student will serve five days of OSS and be placed on probation; parent picks up the device at the end of the school day.

5

Fifth offense – staff member confiscates the device and submits a behavioral referral; staff member gives the device to administration; administration contacts parents; student will serve ten days of OSS and is referred to the Superintendent’s Designee for Discipline ; parent picks up the device at the end of the school day.

Taking pictures or the recording of audio/video with cell phones or other digital devices at school is prohibited unless under the express direction of a teacher as a component of instruction or a project. Students utilizing a cell phone or digital device for the capture of photographs or audio/video may be subject to additional punishment under this progressive discipline code.

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