This blog post is part of a series recapping 2025 legislation.
Nearly all students (97%) who responded to a 2023 Common Sense Media survey reported that they use their personal electronic devices during school hours. Their teachers took notice. Nearly three quarters of high school teachers (72%) polled by Pew Research Center in June 2024 reported that cell phones distract from teaching and learning.
Why It Matters: Excessive screen time affects child development in two ways. First, studies suggest prolonged device usage impairs cognition, especially executive functioning and the ability to multi-task. Second, researchers also find strong linkages between screen time and adverse mental health effects like anxiety and depression.
How Did Georgia Respond? Inspired by legislation passed in Florida, Georgia’s lawmakers enacted House Bill 340. Approved by Governor Kemp in May 2025, the law requires local districts to adopt policies that restrict access to personal electronic devices for K-8 students starting on July 1, 2026.
Georgia joins 10 other states in the southeastern United States that have enacted cell phone bans or restrictions since 2023.
Root Causes of Disengagement: While the legislation is well-intentioned, the removal of devices from the classroom does not address three challenges that contribute to disengagement – the lack of engaging academic content, student mental health supports, or instruction on responsible use of technology.
Issue 3 of the Top Ten Issues to Watch in 2025 recognizes the importance of student engagement to long-term success and well-being. In classrooms where students set their learning goals and are challenged to explore their interests and aptitudes, it is not surprising that they succeed.
The Path Forward: The Georgia Partnership recommends that local school boards revise their technology use policies to address student engagement and mental health challenges. By connecting the dots for students, parents, and community stakeholders, school systems can ensure that technology is not singled out as the only reason why students are not meaningfully engaged in instruction.