Georgia lawmakers advance bill to expand high school cellphone ban

A new push to expand Georgia’s school cellphone ban to high schools is gaining momentum at the State Capitol. Following the unanimous subcommittee approval of House Bill 1009, lawmakers are looking to extend the "bell-to-bell" restrictions currently set for K-8 students to grades 9-12 by fall 2027. A recent Emory University survey found that 71% of Georgia parents support the expansion, citing improvements in academic focus and social interaction. Proponents point to "life-changing" results in districts like Marietta, while some parents remain concerned about emergency communication.