The Hall County School Board (Hall BOE) voted Monday night to revise its ban on the use by students of electronic devices in school to include grades 9-12, effective with the 2026-2027 school year.
“Any student found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Hall County Schools Student Code of Conduct,” the policy reads.
District spokesman Stan Lewis confirmed the board’s action Tuesday morning. And he provided the following which is directly from the policy itself:
“The Hall County Board of Education is committed to fostering a learning environment that is free from unnecessary
distractions and conducive to academic success. To achieve this goal, the use of personal electronic devices by
students shall be limited during the instructional day in order to minimize disruptions, promote engagement, increase
meaningful interactions and focused learning experiences.
This policy applies to all students in kindergarten through twelfth grade while on school premises during regular
school hours. Special events or activities that occur during the course of the school day, including but not limited to
field trips, pep rallies, guest speakers, and assemblies, are also subject to this policy.
Students in grades K–8 are not permitted to access or use personal electronic devices, including but not limited to
cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, or any other device capable of wireless communication,
internet access, messaging, video recording, gaming, social media access, or data transmission during the school
day.
Students in grades 9–12 are prohibited from using the aforementioned personal electronic devices during
instructional time and during special activities or events, including but not limited to field trips, pep rallies, guest
speakers, and assemblies. Instructional time is defined as the period between the bell that signifies the start of a
class and the bell that signifies the end of that class.
Students in grades 9–12 may use personal electronic devices only during non-instructional times, such as class
transitions, breakfast, and lunch periods.
Students who have an approved Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or medical plan that requires
the use of a personal electronic device shall be permitted to use such devices as necessary to fulfill the requirements
of that plan. Parents or guardians should contact the school office for clarification regarding these provisions.
Any student found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Hall County
Schools Student Code of Conduct. The Hall County School District assumes no responsibility or liability for the theft,
loss, or damage of personal electronic devices.
All users of HCSD technology resources and facilities must agree to and sign the terms of the Hall County
School District’s acceptable use agreement. Inappropriate use is subject to local school disciplinary action,
up to and including a disciplinary tribunal hearing, or district level disciplinary action in accordance with the
HCSD student code of conduct.
Individual schools may establish additional guidelines for use of electronic
resources.”