Chattooga County Schools will begin following an updated personal electronic device policy when students return to class on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in response to Georgia’s new Distraction-Free Education Act (HB 340).

The updated policy applies to all K–8 students and is designed to promote a safer, more focused learning environment by limiting access to personal electronic devices during the school day. The policy was sent home with students in December, and families are encouraged to read, review, and discuss it prior to the start of the second semester.

Under the new rules, students may not access personal devices during school hours, from arrival to departure. The policy includes cell phones, along with earbuds, headphones, smart watches, tablets, e-readers, gaming devices, and other electronics capable of messaging, recording, or internet access.

School officials say the goal is to reduce distractions, improve classroom engagement, and support learning by keeping student attention on instruction throughout the day.