Oconee County Schools adopted a policy to limit phones at a meeting of the Board of Education Monday night.
The Board of Education decided unanimously to pass a rule prohibiting students requiring students to turn off and store their electronic devices during school hours. High school students will be allowed to access their devices during specific times defined by the administration.
The rule applies not only to smart phones, but smart watches, wireless headphones, and tablets, as well. The policy was made to align with the statewide Distraction Free Education Act of 2025, which was co-sponsored by Representative Houston Gaines, Republican of Athens.
According to the act, by the start of 2026, elementary and middle school students in Georgia will be prohibited from using their personal electronic devices during the school day.
In Oconee County, students who are permitted to use personal devices by an independent education plan are exempt from the rule.
