Overview
- Gov. Brian Kemp signed House Bill 1009 into law during a ceremony that also finalized several other education measures.
- The measure bans phones, tablets, smartwatches and headphones for high school students from the start of the school day until dismissal.
- Districts will decide how to enforce the rules, school-issued devices remain allowed, and students with IEP, 504 or medical plans may use required technology.
- Coverage differs on timing, with The Center Square and the Augusta Chronicle citing a 2027–28 start and CBS reporting it begins next school year.
- Backers say the move builds on last year’s K–8 limits that some teachers link to better focus and lower stress, while some parents worry about reaching children during emergencies.