ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A bill that would restrict Georgia high school students’ cellphone use during the school day cleared another hurdle Tuesday at the State Capitol. Supporters argued the move would cut distractions and ease anxiety, while opponents warned it could spark conflict for school staff and leave parents with fewer ways to reach their children during emergencies.

The proposal would expand a statewide cellphone policy already approved for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. That earlier law is set to take effect statewide in the 2026-27 school year.

Under the new measure, restrictions for high school students would begin in the 2027-28 school year. The bill does not require a single statewide enforcement method, leaving districts to decide how to keep phones out of students’ hands during class.

Republican state Rep. Scott Hilton, the sponsor, said the state should move quickly after districts reported improved focus and less isolation among younger students under “bell-to-bell” phone limits.

“The technology meant to bring people together actually makes us feel further apart,” Hilton said.

Students testified in support during the hearing. Nathan D’Silva, 17, a Milton High School student, told lawmakers that phones have become addictive for teens.

“Social media is the cigarette of our generation,” D’Silva said.

Supporters also pointed to parents’ concerns about screen time and mental health.

A population-representative survey by Emory University’s Center for Child Health Policy of 1,002 Georgia parents found nearly 71% supported expanding a school-day cellphone ban to high school students. Among parents who opposed a high school ban, three-fourths cited being able to reach their child during an emergency as their top concern. The survey was conducted from Oct. 30 to Nov. 24.

Some educators raised similar concerns.

Darryl Adams, a teacher and parent, said he worried that enforcing a ban could lead to confrontations between students and school staff.

“We have administrators in various schools who would voice that they don’t want to be involved in that confrontation of taking devices away,” Adams said.

Adams also said phones can feel essential for parents trying to get updates during a lockdown.

“Two of my daughters, were in lockdown, and I was not able to get any information until about 3 or 3:30,” he said.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods testified Tuesday. He told lawmakers he has heard nothing but support from teachers across Georgia.

“From our teachers, thank you, thank you, thank you — from the Department of Education, thank you, thank you, thank you,” Woods said.

The bill must clear the Senate and receive a final vote before the legislative session ends. If it becomes law, the debate is expected to continue over how districts enforce the restrictions and how schools communicate with families during emergencies.

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