CARROLLTON, GA — Starting this school year, Carrollton City Schools will implement an updated technology policy to support focused learning and student safety. In line with new state legislation, students in grades K-8 will not use personal devices during the school day. The district will also extend the policy to students in grades 9-12, who will be expected to keep phones and other personal devices stored in a designated location during class time.
The school system adopted its updated policy following the passage of state legislation — House Bill 340 and Senate Bill 351. Both laws aim to help schools address the negative impacts of excessive device use and prepare students for success inside the classroom and beyond. The legislation advocates for reduced screen time to benefit students’ mental and emotional health. By limiting access to personal devices during school hours, students face fewer distractions while learning. Throughout the year, they will also participate in lessons that teach responsible and healthy use of technology—skills they can apply outside of school.
CCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus shared that the policy supports student success and well-being.
“At Carrollton City Schools, one of our top priorities is preparing students for the real world, which involves teaching them to navigate technology in a healthy and productive way,” said Dr. Albertus. “Our goal is to take a common-sense approach that allows students to minimize distractions so that they can focus on learning. We want to partner with parents to teach students how to use technology responsibly while also learning to be present and engaged in the world around them, especially at school.”
In recent years, the school system has expanded its technology inventory to ensure every student has access to a school-issued Chromebook for use during class as needed.
To help students stay focused and reduce distractions, the use of personal devices—including, but not limited to, cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops—will not be allowed during the school day for students in grades K-8. Students in grades 9-12 will not be permitted to use their personal devices during instructional time; however, they will be allowed to use their devices during class changes and lunch.
When students enter the classroom, they will place personal devices in cell phone caddies. Devices should be turned off or set to silent and remain stored until the end of class. While students won’t have direct access to their personal devices during instructional time, the district’s long-established procedures for communication remain in place. Parents or guardians can contact the school office at any time, and students will continue to have access to a school phone if they need to reach home.
“We want to ensure our families that this does not prevent parents from communicating with their child during the school day,” said Dr. Albertus. “We have always had good systems in place for communication and those will not change. Students will have access to school phones when needed, and we’ll continue to use Infinite Campus and other communication tools to keep parents informed. Our goal is to keep students safe, focused and supported.”
The updated personal device policy reflects the district’s commitment to ensuring student success by protecting time to learn. By partnering with parents and the community, this approach encourages students to maximize their time during school.
The Carrollton City Schools Acceptable Use of Technology Policy is listed in the student handbooks and found on the district website at www.carrolltoncityschools.net/parents/personal-device-policy
