Lawmaker says phones hurting focus, social skills in Georgia schools

The new law extends existing restrictions and won’t fully take effect until the 2027 school year

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia lawmakers recently passed a new law expanding cell phone restrictions in public schools to include high school students.

The measure, known as House Bill 1009, builds on a 2025 law that already banned cell phone use through 8th grade. The new law extends those restrictions into high school classrooms statewide, though it will not fully take effect until the 2027 school year.

Sen. Larry Walker said the legislation responds to concerns from educators and parents about how cell phones are affecting students in the classroom.

“There’s been a lot of studies that have shown that children are not socializing with others and gaining those people skills because they’re spending so much screen time on their phone,” Walker said. “Also, it’s a big distraction for the classroom and for the teachers and for the students to be able to learn.”

Lawmakers say the goal of the law is to reduce classroom distractions and improve student learning, arguing that excessive phone use is impacting focus and social development.

They also note that while private schools are not required to follow the law, many are expected to adopt similar policies voluntarily.

The legislation is part of a broader push by state leaders to improve education outcomes in Georgia, including efforts to raise literacy rates across the state.