Lawmakers, educators discuss how to implement cell phone ban in Georgia public schools

ATLANTA — Several metro Atlanta school districts are experimenting with cell phone bans in hopes of improving learning and mental health.

Next year, those bans will become state law for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

"House Bill 340 is not only an education bill, but I really view it as a mental health bill," said Rep. Scott Hilton. "By removing the cell phones from classrooms, we're going to dramatically help the overall health of our students."

Scott represents District 48 and represents constituents in Peachtree Corners, Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Roswell. He said lawmakers chose to start with younger students in hopes of creating a cultural shift that would carry through high school.

They discussed best practices for implementation at "Cell Phones & Teens: Explor