Sandy Springs students in kindergarten through eighth grade cannot use personal phones, smartwatches or tablets during the school day under Georgia's Distraction-Free Education Act.

The law, House Bill 340, took effect July 1 and requires all public schools to prohibit personal electronic devices for K-8 students from the first bell through dismissal. Fulton County Schools adopted its implementation policy June 18, according to Appen Media.

The ban covers more than phones. Smartwatches, headphones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, smart glasses and any device with wireless communication, internet access, gaming or social media features are all prohibited under the district's policy. School-issued devices used for instruction are exempt.

The restriction applies during all scheduled instructional time, recess, lunch, transitions and non-instructional activities. Fulton has also cut personal-device access to school Wi-Fi, the North Atlanta Star reported.

High schoolers face a narrower rule

Fulton high schoolers, including students at Sandy Springs-area schools like North Springs High School and Riverwood International Charter School, may not use personal devices during instructional time, but the district does not impose the same all-day restriction that applies to younger students, according to the North Atlanta Star.

The policy does not specify whether high school students may keep phones in backpacks during lunch or passing periods.

Consequences and exceptions

Under Fulton County Schools' Code of Conduct, inappropriate use of a personal device can result in up to a 10-day suspension and a referral for a disciplinary hearing with a recommendation for long-term suspension, according to Appen Media.

The district's policy also restricts personal device use on school buses for all grade levels.

Exceptions exist for students whose individualized education programs, Section 504 plans or medical plans require device access.

Contacting students during school hours

Parents who need to reach a child during the school day should call the front office rather than texting or calling the student directly. Students can use school phones in an emergency or with staff permission.

Sandy Springs Middle School has posted the district's electronics policy on its website, including a Spanish-language version.

Fulton County Schools' 2026-27 school year began Aug. 3. The phone rules have been in place since the first day of classes.