New Phone-Free Law Applauded
From Special Reports
Leading child safety and well-being organizations, The Anxious Generation Movement, Smartphone Free Childhood US, Institute for Families and Technology, and Becca Schmill Foundation, announced today that Georgia’s new law strengthens the state’s “B” grade on the Phone-Free Schools State Report Card.
H.B. 1009, sponsored by Rep. Scott Hilton (R-GA) and signed by Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA), bolsters existing state law by extending the bell-to-bell ban on student use of personal electronic devices through 12th grade. Georgia was previously one of only two states excluding high schoolers in its statewide bell-to-bell policy. Neighboring Florida is now the only state nationwide whose full-day ban only applies through 8th grade.
“Starting in 2027, Georgia’s high schoolers will now enjoy the immense benefits of distraction-free learning,” said Emily Rapp, director of policy for the Institute for Families and Technology. “We applaud Rep. Hilton for his leadership in extending the bell-to-bell ban to all K-12 students across the Peach state.”
“Georgia’s policymakers are prioritizing a healthier and more focused learning environment in high schools across the state,” said Deb Schmill, founder of the Becca Schmill Foundation. “We hope to see Florida make the same commitment to its students and teachers next session.”
Under the Report Card’s criteria, an “A” grade is awarded when bell-to-bell legislation also requires all personal electronic devices to be stored in secure, inaccessible locations. Bell-to-bell policies are proven to enhance academic performance, improve students’ mental and physical health, increase teacher satisfaction, protect student safety and privacy, and deepen school community relationships.
More information about Georgia’s grade can be found here.
About the Phone-Free Schools Report Card
Launched in 2026, the Phone-Free Schools State Report Card is published by leading child safety and well-being organizations, including The Anxious Generation, Smartphone Free Childhood US, Institute for Families and Technology, and Becca Schmill Foundation. The report evaluates whether the laws in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., meet the gold standard for phone-free schools: policies requiring all students to store their
