DECATUR COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) – Beginning January 1, all K–12 schools in Decatur County will roll out a new electronic device procedure as part of Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act (HB 340).

The law requires school districts across the state to limit access to personal electronic devices during learning hours in an effort to reduce distractions and improve classroom focus.

Under the new Decatur County Schools procedure, phones, smart watches, AirPods, and any device capable of connecting to a student’s phone will be prohibited during instructional time.

Officials say the change is aimed at creating a more engaged learning environment and cutting down on disruptions tied to messaging, social media, and other digital activities.

WALB will continue following updates from the district as the policy goes into effect.

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