Savannah-Chatham County schools approve new phone policy for students

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Board has approved a new policy on the use of phones and other electronic devices in classrooms.

District officials say the board spent the past several months reviewing the policy to ensure compliance with state law while making sure it aligns with the school district’s mission.

Grades K-8 (Including Pre-K): Students are not allowed to use, display or turn on personal electronic devices — including smartwatches, cell phones, wearable tech and headphones — during bell-to-bell school hours. Bell-to-bell hours include instructional time, assemblies, class change time, recess, breakfast and lunch. Devices must be kept in district-approved storage and powered off throughout the day.

Grades 9-12: Personal electronic devices must be kept in district-approved storage during instructional time and can only be used if approved by staff for instructional purposes. The restriction does not apply during class breaks, breakfast, lunch or assemblies.

Testing and assessments: During district-wide and state assessments, all personal devices must be turned off and turned in to designated staff, as required under testing protocols

The new policy also clarifies procedures for off-campus activities and extracurriculars and outlines the discipline process for violations. The full updated district policy can be viewed here.