Two new laws are setting a bold precedent for how K–12 schools in Georgia manage student technology use – both online and in the classroom. Signed into law in 2024 and 2025 respectively, Georgia SB 351: Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act and Georgia HB 340: Distraction-Free Education Act together aim to reduce distractions, limit harmful content, and strengthen digital safety for students across the state.

For Georgia’s school districts, this means new requirements around device usage, social media access, and student digital safety instruction, along with the opportunity to lead the national charge in creating safer, more focused learning environments.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• What the new legislation requires (and why it matters)
• How Georgia’s dual laws create a powerful model for student safety
• The available edtech solutions to help schools stay compliant

The Combined Legislation Driving Safer K-12 Tech Use in Georgia

Georgia has become one of the first states to pass complementary legislation that targets both digital risk and digital distraction in schools. By combining SB 351 and HB 340, the state is empowering districts to create safer digital ecosystems and reclaim student focus, all without compromising on the instructional innovation the modern digital classroom offers.

What is Georgia SB 351: Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act (2024)?

What it requires:

• Local school boards must adopt policies that restrict students’ access to social media platforms on school-owned devices, networks, and infrastructures.
• Schools must educate students about the responsible and safe use of social media and online platforms, helping to curb cyberbullying.
• Educators and staff must be trained annually on how to support this safe use and enforce policies effectively.

Why it matters:

This law responds to rising concerns around student exposure to online harm, social media addiction, and mental health risks. It encourages a proactive, whole-school approach to digital citizenship which also incorporates parents and guardians, recognizing school communities as critical frontline defenders of student wellbeing.

You can learn more about the act here.

What is Georgia HB 340: Distraction-Free Education Act (2025)?

What it requires:

• Districts must establish clear cell phone use policies that set boundaries for personal device use during instructional time.
• Policies must also provide flexibility to support learning needs, accessibility accommodations, and emergency communication.

Why it matters:

The goal is to minimise classroom disruption, reduce off-task behaviour, and bolster student engagement with in-person instruction – especially following years of device dependence during remote learning. Georgia is one of the first states to legislate digital discipline in this way, acknowledging how personal tech use impacts learning outcomes.

You can learn more about the act here.

What This Means for Georgia Schools from 2026

Together, Georgia SB 351 and Georgia HB 340 provide a mandate for schools to take control of the digital classroom. But, beyond compliance, they open the door to real transformation by supporting student focus, safety, and long-term wellbeing all in one.

What We’ve Seen When States Take Action

Across the country, schools that adopt similar policies – such as limiting cell phone use, customising filtering, or implementing social media safety protocols – have seen measurable and meaningful benefits:

• Increased instructional time | Sheboygan Area School District
• Improved student attention, behavior, and engagement | Atlanta Public Schools
• Stronger partnerships with parents and caregivers | Madison Metropolitan School District

Georgia schools are now uniquely positioned to deliver those same outcomes with legislation, leadership, and tech alignment all working together in unison.

Which Edtech Solutions Help Ensure Compliance, and More?

With this heightened reliance on school-issued devices, and the requirement for enhanced safety and security measures on those devices, it’s understandable that this new legislation will give many Georgia schools pause. Thankfully, that’s where Securly can step in.

Securly’s solutions align directly with the core aims of Georgia’s new laws, all while offering the customization and flexibility your districts need to support their K-12 school communities.

Customizable Web Filtering & Blocking for Schools | Securly Filter

Aligns with Georgia SB 351

Our cloud-based school web filter, Securly Filter, gives K-12 IT leaders the tools to block or limit access to specific social media platforms, enforce custom policies by grade level or group, and apply controls across all school-managed devices and networks – including off-campus. It’s granular, policy-driven filtering designed specifically for education, ensuring IT Teams have the controls and insights needed to manage SB 351’s policies effortlessly.

Ensure Rigid Device-Usage Boundaries in the Classroom | Securly Classroom

Aligns with Georgia HB 340

With Securly Classroom, teachers can monitor screens in real time, lock devices, or launch appropriate sites during instruction. This empowers teachers to take full classroom control without needing to physically remove student devices. It complements district-wide phone policies with device-specific, teacher-directed oversight, all while retaining the positive engagement that stems from digital learning.

Real-Time Cyberbullying Prevention and Wellness Monitoring | Securly Aware

Aligns with Georgia SB 351

Securly Aware uses advanced AI sentiment analysis and real-time alerts to detect signs of cyberbullying, violence, or mental health struggles across all student online activity, helping student services staff to intervene earlier – and meet these new student wellbeing mandates. Not only that, but Aware’s ‘Think Twice’ functionality prompts students to reconsider their potentially negative comments before they hit send, teaching self-reflection and growth.

Better Integration of Parents & Guardians within the School Community | Securly Home

Bridges SB 351 & HB 340

Securly Home extends oversight and support beyond the school day, giving parents visibility into their child’s school-issued device use and search history. It also offers daily email reports, push alerts, and other customizable settings for those who may need to provide their children with additional support. It’s a key tool in making families true partners in the digital safety conversation, which will become paramount from 2026.

A Unique Opportunity to Lead the Way in Student Safety & Wellness

Georgia’s dual legislation doesn’t just aim to protect. It empowers K-12 schools to shape a smarter and safer digital future for all students. For school leaders, this moment is a chance to foster classrooms where focus and safety go hand in hand, setting a new standard.

For further insight and support during both your strategy planning and implementation of these new legislations, Securly is here when you need us. Schedule a call today to discuss how we can assist your school in its preparation and ongoing student safety support.