1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

As a public high school teacher in Georgia, I strongly support the bipartisan effort to implement a bell-to-bell personal communication device ban in our high schools. The Senate study committee's recommendation addresses a critical challenge that educators face daily in maintaining focused learning environments. I witness firsthand how constant cellphone access disrupts instruction, fragments student attention, and undermines the educational experience. Students struggle to engage deeply with material when notifications and social media compete for their focus throughout the school day. The research is clear that multitasking with devices reduces learning retention and academic performance. A comprehensive ban removes the ambiguity of selective policies and creates consistent expectations across all classrooms. The committee's approach recognizes that this issue extends beyond simple distraction. By pairing the device ban with stronger parental consent laws, AI restrictions, and limits on targeted advertising, the legislation addresses the broader ecosystem of technology companies profiting from student attention and data. State Sen. Shawn Still correctly identified the need to balance corporate profit with our responsibility to protect children. Technology companies have designed their platforms to be addictive, and our students deserve protection during school hours when they should be focused on learning. I appreciate that this effort has bipartisan support, reflecting the widespread recognition among educators, parents, and policymakers that current policies are insufficient. Other states and school districts that have implemented similar bans report improved classroom engagement, better social interaction among students, and reduced disciplinary issues related to device misuse. I urge you to support and advance this bell-to-bell cellphone ban legislation during the current session ending April 2. Our students need learning environments free from constant digital interruption, and teachers need clear policies we can consistently enforce. This is an investment in educational quality and student wellbeing that will benefit Georgia families for years to come.