DeKalb County, Georgia, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The DeKalb County School District has launched the Disconnect to Reconnect program, banning cellphone use during school hours to improve student engagement. This policy, affecting all students including high schoolers, addresses concerns over distractions. Initial reports indicate a significant decrease in disciplinary issues since the policy’s pilot began, with plans for secure cellphone lockers to aid compliance. As other states also enact cellphone bans, the DeKalb initiative aims for a more focused educational environment.
DeKalb County, Georgia – The DeKalb County School District has officially implemented a new program called Disconnect to Reconnect, which prohibits students from using cellphones during the school day. The new initiative, introduced to enhance student engagement and focus, requires students to keep their mobile devices stored away in their backpacks while on campus.
Siblings Angus and Sam, both students at Lakeside High School, have adjusted to this new policy by ensuring their phones are turned off before they arrive at school. As part of this initiative, the cellphone ban extends to all students, including those in high school, which distinguishes it from statewide regulations in Georgia.
The cellphone ban has been enacted in response to growing concerns about distractions from mobile devices. Teachers, including social studies instructor Lauren Boggs, have reported that prior to the ban, students’ engagement and grades had suffered as a direct result of distractions from cellphone use. Principal Susan Stoddard confirmed that since the beginning of a pilot program a year ago, disciplinary issues in the school have decreased significantly, with several schools reporting a 17% reduction in student misbehavior attributed to the firm anti-cellphone policy.
This policy aligns with recent trends as over half of U.S. states have either banned or regulated cellphone use within schools. New York has also introduced a statewide K-12 ban effective this week. In addition, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation in May that will enact a ban on cellphone use in K-8 schools starting in the summer of 2026. However, DeKalb County’s restrictions go further, covering high school students as well.
The Disconnect to Reconnect program not only targets phones but also other electronic distractions such as smart watches, AirPods, and headphones. These devices are not permitted during classes, transitions, and lunch periods, promoting face-to-face interaction among students.
To facilitate compliance with the new rules, the school district is planning to propose installing secure cellphone lockers in schools. The rationale behind the program has been supported by recent research indicating that even notifications from cellphones, even when not actively in use, negatively impact students’ concentration and academic performance.
State Representative Scott Hilton has underscored concerns regarding cellphone addiction among students as a primary reason for the recent legislative changes. Community support will be vital in enforcing these policies effectively, especially considering challenges other schools have faced from parental pushback against similar regulations.
Success stories from other districts, such as schools in Henry County and Brockton High in Massachusetts, demonstrate that cellphone restrictions can lead to notable improvements in student behavior and academic achievements. Reports have shown that students are becoming more socially engaged and focused when cellphone use is limited during school hours.
As DeKalb County continues to navigate the implementation of the Disconnect to Reconnect program, educators and administrators are hopeful for sustained improvements in the educational environment influenced by reduced cellphone distractions.
FAQ Section
What is the Disconnect to Reconnect program?
The Disconnect to Reconnect program is a new policy implemented by the DeKalb County School District that prohibits cellphone use by students during the school day, aiming to enhance engagement and focus.
Are high school students affected by the ban?
Yes, the policy extends to all students, including those in high school, making it stricter than existing state regulations.
What devices are covered under the ban?
In addition to cellphones, the program prohibits the use of smart watches, AirPods, and headphones during classes, transitions, and lunch periods.
What prompted the implementation of the cellphone ban?
Concerns about distractions from mobile devices affecting student engagement and academic performance prompted the implementation of the ban.
How will the new policy be enforced?
The school district plans to install secure cellphone lockers and is relying on community support to effectively enforce the ban.
Have other schools had success with similar bans?
Yes, other schools in Georgia and Massachusetts have reported positive effects on student behavior and academic performance following the implementation of similar restrictions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Georgia Introduces Cell Phone Ban in Schools
Georgia Enacts Distraction Free Education Act for Schools
Georgia Ranks 38th in WalletHub School System Evaluation
Forsyth County Implements Electronic Device Ban in Schools
Georgia Senate Passes Distraction-Free Education Act
Governor Kemp Declines U.S. Senate Run for 2026 Election
Governor Hochul Unveils Tentative $254 Billion New York State Budget
Georgia Lawmakers Approve $37.7 Billion State Budget
Midtown High School Incident Shakes Atlanta Community
Georgia Senate Passes Bill for Distraction-Free Education
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Georgia School District Implements Cellphone Ban
- Google Search: Cellphone Ban in Schools
- MSN: Lawmakers and Educators Discuss Cell Phone Ban in Georgia Schools
- Wikipedia: Distraction in Education
- AP News: Schools and Cellphone Bans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cell Phone
- Savannah Now: Schools Prepare for Phone Law
- Google Scholar: Impact of Cellphone Use on Students
- Atlanta News First: Cobb County Schools Cellphone Ban
- Google News: Cellphone Ban in Schools
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