Updated Policy on Student Use of Electronic Devices for 2026-27 SY

New requirements that restrict the use of ALL personal electronic devices at school will take effect at the start of the 2026-2027 school year. These changes reflect the Board’s commitment to fostering a safe, focused, and equitable learning environment for all students.

The Board has engaged in thoughtful discussion and review of the policy, ensuring compliance with state law and alignment with the District’s vision and mission. The HB 340 Distraction-Free Education Act requires Georgia School Districts have policy in place by January 1, 2026, for full implementation no later than July 2026 (SY 26-27).  The updated policy language is being provided now to ensure families, students, and staff are fully informed and prepared for implementation next school year.

Key Policy Changes and Extensions for Grades 9-12

• Students shall not use, display, or turn on personal electronic devices (defined as any portable electronic device capable of transmitting, receiving, or accessing communications, data, or media) including laptops, tablets, smartwatches, cellular phones, video phones, audio earpieces, air pods, wearable tech (such as Smart Glasses), or headphones during Bell-to-Bell school hours, which include instructional time, assemblies, class change time, recess, breakfast, or lunch. Bell-to-Bell means the period beginning with the first bell signaling the start of instructional time and ending with the final bell signaling the conclusion of the school day.

• All students in grades PK–12 must store their personal electronic devices in district-provided storage solutions. Students in grades PK–8 will store devices in locking storage boxes kept with homeroom teachers for the entire day. Students in grades 9–12 will store devices in locking, signal-blocking pouches. Students in grades PK–12 with documented medical or educational needs requiring device access will use non-locking, signal-blocking Velcro pouches. Students in grades 9–12 who do not bring their pouches must store their devices in the front office.

• Family Communication Plan: For changes in student transportation, families should contact the school’s front office directly. Students in grades 9–12 may receive external emails through their @students.sccpss.com accounts. Parents are encouraged to use email to contact their student when needed.

• Behavior: Students who do not follow personal electronic device expectations will receive tiered consequences aligned with the discipline matrix in the Student Code of Conduct.

The Board emphasizes that these updates are designed to support student learning, safety, and responsible technology use. PLEASE NOTE: these updates apply to all personal chromebooks, iPads, and laptops as well. All students will have access to district-issued devices.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What is included in the definition of “personal electronic devices”?  

A personal electronic device is defined as any portable electronic device capable of transmitting, receiving, or accessing communications, data, or media. This includes, but is not limited to, laptops, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, e-Readers, headphones, and other devices with functionalities supporting wireless communication, internet access, messaging, video recording, gaming, or social media access.  

 What if children need access to their phones in case of a crisis or lockdown at the school?  

According to safety experts, cell phones can reduce student safety during emergencies for several key reasons: 

•              Students using their phones in the middle of a crisis may become distracted and miss critical instructions from school staff.  

•              Rapid sharing of unverified information can fuel rumors, making it harder for public safety personnel to respond effectively.  

•              Student phone use can lead to a rush of parents and community members arriving at the scene, potentially interfering with evacuation procedures and emergency operations.  

•              High volumes of calls and messages can overload communication systems, making it harder for first responders and families to connect when it matters most. 

Our priority is to ensure students stay focused on following adult guidance to reach safety.  

How will the district notify parents/guardians if there is an emergency?  

The Savannah-Chatham Public School System has a comprehensive emergency response plan tailored to the needs of each school. In the event of an emergency, parents will be notified and kept informed in a timely and coordinated manner.  Even in crisis situations, the presence of student cell phones can lead to serious safety risks. Although it’s understandable that families want the ability to quickly reach their children or ensure they can call for help in an emergency, communication between students and families during a crisis is more likely to compromise safety than improve it.

How will students retrieve their phones if they leave school early?

K–8 students will return to their homeroom teacher to retrieve their device before reporting to the front office for early dismissal. For grades 9–12, front office staff will unlock pouches prior to dismissal. Students leaving early for Work-Based Learning (WBL) may have their pouch unlocked by the WBL coordinator, front office staff, or designee before departure.

What are the consequences if a student refuses to surrender a device or submits a non-working/fake device?

Students found out of compliance will receive consequences consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.

May students use personal devices for instructional purposes instead of district-issued Chromebooks?

No. Georgia House Bills 340 and 1009 prohibit the use of personal electronic devices in public schools from the first bell to the end of the instructional day. Students will use district-issued devices that are filtered and monitored in accordance with Georgia Senate Bill 351. Students with documented accommodations in an IEP or 504 Plan requiring the use of a personal electronic device for instructional or medical purposes will have those accommodations honored.

What happens if a student loses or damages a locking pouch or storage device?

Students who lose or damage their pouch will be assessed a $22 fine and are required to turn their device in to the front office or an administrator until the fine is paid and a replacement pouch is issued.

Who is responsible for unlocking devices for students leaving early for athletic events or extracurricular activities?

Athletic and extracurricular sponsors will have access to unlocking keys to unlock student pouches as needed.

Are students permitted to use personal headphones or earbuds for classwork? If so, are wired devices allowed?

Yes, personal wired headphones and earbuds are permitted for use with district-issued devices.

Does the cellphone policy apply during after-school programs, tutoring, and extracurricular activities?

No. The policy does not apply to after-school activities or events. However, during academic tutoring, it is recommended that student devices remain locked to help maintain focus and maximize instructional support.

Is there an emergency procedure to unlock all pouches quickly if needed?

Yes. Each school’s Emergency Response Team will have access to handheld unlocking keys in the event of an emergency evacuation.

May students keep other personal electronic devices (laptop, Chromebook, iPad, e-Reader,etc) in their backpacks during the school day?

Students are strongly encouraged to leave nonessential personal electronic devices at home, as the district is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. If needed for after-school activities, devices must remain powered off and stored in the student’s backpack during the school day. Students observed using personal electronic devices are subject to consequences outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Are wireless mice for Chromebooks, permitted under the policy?

Yes. 

Will restrictions on receiving emails from outside SCCPSS accounts remain in place for students next school year?

K–8 students cannot receive emails from external accounts to their @students.sccpss.com email addresses. High school students may receive emails from external email accounts. Parents who wish to email K–8 students should consider creating a personal family email account for communication. Transportation changes for K–8 students should be communicated through the school’s front office.