SAVANNAH, Ga. () — In a meeting on Wednesday, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) approved updates to its policy concerning student use of electronic devices for the 2026-2027 school year.

The updates align with the HB 340 Distraction-Free Education Act, which mandates Georgia school districts to establish these policies by January 1, 2026, ensuring they are fully implemented by July 2026. The details are being shared with parents now, so everyone is well-prepared for the changes coming in the next academic year.

The following outlines the major policy modifications and expansions:

• Grades K-8 (Includes Pre-K Students): Students are not permitted to use, display or turn on personal electronic devices — including smartwatches, cell phones, wearable tech and headphones — during bell-to-bell school hours. This includes instructional time, assemblies, class change time, recess, breakfast or lunch. (Bell-to-bell means the period beginning with the first bell and ending with the final bell of the school day).  Devices must be stored in district-approved storage and powered off throughout the instructional day.
• Grades 9-12: The updated policy extends certain requirements to high school students as well. Personal electronic devices must be secured in district-approved storage during instructional time and may only be used if approved by staff and for instructional purposes. The restriction does not apply during non-instructional times such as class breaks, breakfast, lunch or assemblies.
• All Grades: The policy clarifies procedures for off-site events, transportation and extracurricular activities. It also reinforces that all device use must comply with the Technology Resources Acceptable Use Policy and that students with IEP/504 plans will have access as required.
• Testing and Assessments: During district-wide and state assessments, all personal devices must be powered off and turned in to designated staff, in accordance with testing protocols.
• Progressive Discipline: The policy outlines a clear, progressive discipline process for violations, including warnings, device confiscation, parent conferences and potential loss of device privileges.

To help families and staff adjust smoothly to these changes, SCCPSS will provide additional guidance and resources before the start of the next school year.

For more information on the updated policies and regulations, click here.