Bell to Bell, No Cell
Hart County Charter System | Distraction-Free Learning
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, Hart County Charter System will implement updated expectations regarding student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day. These expectations are based on Georgia House Bill 340 (2025) and Georgia House Bill 1009 (2026), legislation designed to create distraction-free learning environments in Georgia's public schools.
To support student learning and maintain consistency across the district, Hart County Charter System will implement a "Bell to Bell, No Cell" expectation for all students in grades K-12.
While House Bill 340 originally applied to students in grades K-8, House Bill 1009 expanded those requirements to include grades 9-12. After reviewing the new legislation and considering the benefits of a consistent approach, Hart County Charter System will apply the same expectations across every school and grade level beginning this school year.
Georgia House Bill 340 (2025)
Georgia House Bill 1009 (2026)
What Students Can Expect
From the first instructional bell until dismissal, students will be expected to keep personal electronic devices stored away and inaccessible during the school day.
This includes:
- Cell phones
- Smartwatches
- Earbuds and headphones
- Tablets
- Personal gaming devices
- Any other personal electronic devices
District-issued technology will continue to be used for instructional purposes whenever directed by teachers.
Why We're Making This Change
The purpose of this initiative is to provide students with the best possible learning environment by minimizing distractions and maximizing opportunities for engagement.
Research consistently shows that reducing access to personal electronic devices during the school day can lead to:
- Greater student focus
- Increased classroom participation
- More meaningful face-to-face interaction
- Improved academic performance
- Stronger relationships among students and staff
- Safer, more connected school communities
Our goal is not simply to limit device use—it is to create classrooms where students can fully engage with their teachers, classmates, and learning experiences.
Cell Phones & School Safety
For parents worried about their children having access to their phones during a crisis situation or school lockdown, safety experts maintain that cell phones can actually reduce student safety during emergencies for several key reasons:
- Students using their phones in the middle of a crisis may become distracted and miss critical instructions from school staff.
- Rapid sharing of unverified information can fuel rumors, making it harder for public safety personnel to respond effectively.
- Student phone use can lead to a rush of parents and community members arriving at the scene, potentially interfering with evacuation procedures and emergency operations.
- High volumes of calls and messages can overload communication systems, making it harder for first responders and families to connect when it matters most.
The school district's priority is to ensure students remain focused on following adult guidance to reach safety before accessing their phones.
Parent and Student Communication During the School Day
How can parents contact their child?
If you need to get an urgent message to your child, please call your child's school office. Office staff will ensure important information is delivered promptly.
For transportation changes, parents are encouraged to:
- Send a written note with their child whenever possible.
- Call the school office and speak directly with office personnel if plans change during the day.
Teachers may also be contacted through approved communication platforms or email regarding routine questions. However, because teachers are actively instructing students throughout the day, responses may not be immediate. Calling the school office remains the best option for time-sensitive matters.
How can students contact a parent or guardian?
Students who need to communicate with a parent during the school day will continue to have access to appropriate school resources, including:
- Using a phone in the school office.
- Receiving assistance from a teacher, administrator, counselor, or school nurse.
- Using approved school technology when appropriate and authorized.
- Emergency Communication
Keeping students safe remains our highest priority. Restricting student cell phone use during the school day will not affect the district's ability to communicate quickly with families during emergencies.
Hart County Charter System will continue to share important information through the following official communication channels:
- SchoolStatus: Automated phone calls, text messages, and emails will be sent using the contact information families have provided through Infinite Campus. Parents are encouraged to keep their contact information current.
- District Website: Important announcements and updates will also be posted on the Hart County Charter System website: www.hart.k12.ga.us.
- District Social Media: Families are encouraged to follow the district's official social media accounts for additional updates. During emergencies, however, official notifications will always be sent first through SchoolStatus.
- Local Media: When appropriate, emergency information such as school closures or delays will also be shared with local media outlets.
By using multiple communication methods, we can ensure families receive accurate information as quickly as possible while maintaining distraction-free classrooms.
Student Accommodations
Students with documented medical needs or those who receive accommodations through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or other approved medical plan will continue to have access to personal electronic devices when those devices are specifically required for medical or educational purposes.
Hart County Charter System remains committed to providing appropriate accommodations while ensuring all students have access to safe, supportive, and effective learning environments.
We appreciate the partnership of our families as we implement these expectations. Together, we can create classrooms that encourage greater focus, stronger relationships, and increased opportunities for every student to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions