In May of 2025, Governor Kemp signed House Bill 340—the “Distraction‑Free Education Act”—into Georgia law. As a result, school districts are required to update their student codes of conduct to abide by the new law. 

Floyd County Schoos released the following statement this week regarding the implementation of the law.

Dear FCS families, 

We want to make you aware of an important update regarding student cell phone use in our schools. In accordance with Georgia House Bill 340, also known as the Distraction-Free Education Act, school districts across the state will implement new policies designed to reduce distractions and enhance learning.

What This Means for Our Students:

Beginning August 1, 2025, all students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade will be required to keep personal mobile devices silenced and stored away without having access to them during the school day—from the first bell to the last. 

According to the new law, access is defined as “viewing, holding, wearing, or otherwise using a device for the purpose of communication, internet access, gaming, recording, listening to music, or any other function commonly associated with personal electronic devices.” This includes smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar devices.

Why This Change?

The goal of HB 340 is to create more focused, respectful, and connected classroom environments. Research has shown that limiting cell phone use at school helps improve academic performance, mental health, and student engagement.

District Policy and Student Code of Conduct Changes Coming Soon

We are currently finalizing our district-wide policy and student code of conduct in compliance with HB 340. Changes with our code of conduct will be implemented in the new school year.  

Additional Information 

We will share more information between now and the start of the school, and be available to explain the new policy, answering any questions you may have. Information will include: rules for storage, procedures for communication in emergencies, and exceptions for students with medical needs or IEP/504 accommodations. We are committed to making this transition smooth, fair, and supportive for all students.

Thank you for partnering with us to support safer, more distraction-free learning environments for our children.