Georgia bans cellphones for grades K-8 in schools

More states in the U.S. are passing laws to limit or ban cellphones in schools. Georgia is the latest state to take this step. A bill was approved by Georgia senators with a vote of 54-2. It prohibits students in grades K-8 from using personal electronic devices during school hours. The bill now awaits the signature or veto of Governor Brian Kemp. Currently, nine states have laws against cellphone use in schools. Other states like New Mexico, Tennessee, and Utah have also seen similar bills pass this year. The movement is gaining support from both political parties. Lawmakers are concerned about the effects of screen time on children's mental health and the distractions phones cause in classrooms. Georgia state Senator Jason Anavitarte spoke in favor of the bill, saying it targets students' well-being. Studies have linked excessive phone use to mental health issues, decreased social skills, and bullying. Schools across the country face challenges enforcing existing cellphone bans, as many students do not follow them. In Georgia, the new law says students cannot access their devices at any time during the school day, but local school districts will decide how to enforce it. Some districts use locking pouches for phones, while others may ask students to keep their phones in lockers or turn them in. Exceptions will be made for students who need phones for health reasons. Concerns have been raised about how this law might affect communication during emergencies. For example, a school shooting incident last year emphasized the need for students to keep in touch with parents for safety. Some lawmakers worry that removing phones could hinder communication in crisis situations. Supporters argue that phones can be a distraction during emergencies and can reveal students' locations. Some are calling for broader restrictions, wanting the ban to apply to high school students as well. They believe this bill is just the beginning of efforts to reduce distractions for students at all grade levels.