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In a move that echoes similar actions within the state, the Fulton County School Board has decided to implement a noteworthy ban on personal electronic devices for K-8 students during school hours. The unanimous decision, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, will take effect after students return from their summer vacation.
The ban specifically targets the use of devices like smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets throughout the school day. It's a part of a broader initiative spurred by Georgia's Distraction Free Education Act, enacted by Gov. Brian Kemp. This legislative move has prompted several districts to reconsider how electronics factor into a student's school life. High schoolers in Fulton County aren't off the hook entirely; while they can carry their devices outside of instructional time, their usage during classes is tightly regulated.
According to a WSB Radio interview, Fulton County Chief Communication Officer Brian Noyes explained that there was already a code of conduct in place restricting device use among younger students, but this new policy extends those restrictions to include middle school students as well.
While the new change may be a concern for parents needing to reach their children during school hours, the policy comes with clear instructions. Schools are required to establish protocols for parents to contact their students by getting in touch with the school directly. There will also be exceptions for students who require electronic devices for educational or medical reasons, as part of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Section 504 plan, or medical plan.
Similar policies are unfolding in the region, with districts like Rockdale County Public Schools even opting for locking pouches to secure students' phones during the school week. Marietta City School District, DeKalb County School District, and Atlanta Public Schools have implemented measures demanding students to store their phones in lockers or pouches while they're in class.
