ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Office of Communications and Public Engagement
130 Trinity Avenue SW | Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Seth Coleman, Director of Media & Social Media
404-802-2891, office
404-345-8630, cell
seth.coleman@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Jasmine Mosley, Media Relations Manager
404-802-2888, office
404-937-0473, cell
jasmine.mosley@atlanta.k12.ga.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2025
Atlanta Public Schools Reinforces Personal Electronic Device Policy to Promote Safe and Disruption-Free Learning Environment
The district will be reinforcing its previously approved Personal Electronic Device (PED) policy for all students when the school year begins on Monday, Aug. 4
ATLANTA – APS remains committed to promoting student focus and well-being, as well as academic success by minimizing distractions and fostering meaningful classroom engagement. Together, we can ensure our schools remain safe, respectful, and conducive to learning.
In an effort to maintain a focused and safe educational environment, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is reinforcing its previously approved Personal Electronic Device (PED) policy for all students across the district, effective with the start of the 2025-2026 school year, Monday, Aug. 4. More information about the PED policy may be found here (Board Policy) and here (Regulation).
The use of mobile telephones and other PEDs is considered a privilege – one that is granted to students with prior consent from a parent or guardian. This privilege applies only before and after the official school day.
While individual schools will be given a measure of autonomy in the manner in which the policy is implemented, during the official school day – including lunch periods – all PEDs must be turned off and kept out of sight unless specifically approved by school administration. Students will be granted access to their phones by school administrators for personal emergencies and other special circumstances.
“While we recognize that technology is a part of everyday life, our goal is to ensure that classrooms remain spaces where students can focus and learn without unnecessary distractions,” said Dr. Bryan Johnson, Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools. “Our policy ensures students use technology appropriately while maintaining respect for the privacy and safety of others.”
This policy does not restrict law enforcement personnel from recording students when conducting authorized law enforcement activities. The district is being proactive on this issue given the fact that next school year (2026–2027), in line with a new state law (HB340), the PED ban will expand to include other devices like smartwatches, tablets, and headphones.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss this policy with their children to help reinforce its importance and may contact their student’s school administrator to discuss this policy, and to partner with them in its reinforcement as APS remains committed to creating a safe and respectful learning environment where every student can thrive.
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About Atlanta Public Schools
Atlanta Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the state of Georgia, serving approximately 50,000 students across 87 learning sites, including 59 neighborhood schools, five partner schools, 19 charter schools, two citywide single-gender academies, and two alternative programs. To learn more about Atlanta Public Schools, where there is Excellence Everywhere, follow us on social media – Twitter (@apsupdate), Facebook (Atlanta Public Schools), and Instagram (apsupdate) – or visit us online at www.atlantapublicschools.us.
