During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the rising issue of cell phone infractions in schools, particularly in Rockdale County. Board member Kenny highlighted a significant increase in cell phone-related incidents from 2019 to 2024, alongside a rise in group fights among students, which some educators attribute to the coordination facilitated by cell phones. This has led to calls for a potential ban on cell phones during school hours, a measure already adopted by several surrounding counties.

Superintendent Dr. Oates acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that while some schools have implemented strict policies, including the use of locked pouches for phones, a total ban is not currently supported. He emphasized the importance of maintaining access to phones for safety reasons, particularly during transitions between classes and for students involved in extracurricular activities.

Dr. Oates pointed out that existing policies allow school principals the discretion to restrict cell phone use as needed. He mentioned that some middle schools have opted for a uniform approach to managing phone use, while practices vary across high schools. The superintendent stressed the need for a collaborative discussion involving teachers, students, and parents to determine the most effective strategy for managing cell phone use in schools.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued community engagement on the topic, suggesting that public input could be formalized in future agendas to address the concerns raised by parents and educators alike.