FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — While cellphones and other electronic devices have become an everyday part of most adult lives and children’s lives, in many cases, they have become a distraction for some.

This week, Fulton County Schools announced some updates to their Code of Conduct and their Student Handbook for the 2022-23 school year. Among the changes are several restrictions on the use of “Personal Communication Devices” within their schools.

While the 2021-22 school year comes to a close, Fulton County Schools has decided the coming school year will mean students in their elementary schools will not be able to use a device during the school day. They are not restricting students from carrying a cellphone, watch, tablet or computer, administrators just don’t want the kids using them within the school.

Middle and high school students will not be able to use their devices during instruction or class time unless a teacher instructs them to do so for learning purposes.

The school district also added a rule stating the use of an electronic device to record and distribute “unlawful activity, egregious or dangerous events” will be prohibited. They stated concern about students staging or recording fights in schools for the purpose of getting them posted on social media.

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While the 2021-22 school year comes to a close, Fulton County Schools has decided the coming school year will mean students in their elementary schools will not be able to use a device during the school day. They are not restricting students from carrying a cellphone, watch, tablet or computer, administrators just don’t want the kids using them within the school.

Middle and High School students will not be able to use their devices during instruction or class time unless a teacher instructs them to do so for learning purposes.

The school district also added a rule stating the use of an electronic device to record and distribute “unlawful activity, egregious or dangerous events” will be prohibited. They stated concern about students staging or recording fights in schools for the purpose of getting them posted on social media.

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Assistant Superintendent Dr. Christopher Matthews explained the thought process behind the rulings. He said the use of the electronic devices has become a major distraction for students.

Matthews said the district received input from a variety of groups to help update their code of conduct and the new policy on personal communication devices.

The first day of the 2022-23 school year for Fulton County is on Aug. 8.

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