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Catoosa County Public Schools

A Georgia Charter System

Student Safety & Digital Wellness

Student Safety & Digital Wellness

Report drugs, weapons, bullying, threats, or other safety issues.

Toll-Free 1-877-SAY-STOP

24 hours a day/7 days a week

Co-Sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Department of Public Safety

 

Click the image below to download a copy of the Safe Schools Hotline Poster

A yellow informational sign for the Safe Schools Hotline featuring the toll-free number 1-877-SAY-STOP.

  Unplug to Connect!

Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act
Georgia has passed a new law to help students focus, learn better, and connect more with each other.  

WHAT IS EXPECTED FOR STUDENTS?A smartphone screen displays an informational graphic for Catoosa County Public Schools explaining their new bell-to-bell device restriction policy.

  • Power Down and Store Away: Devices must be turned off before the day starts and kept in a designated spot, such as a locker, a locked pouch, or a personal backpack.
  • Zero Device Access: "Access" means viewing, holding, wearing, or using any personal electronic device. This includes smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and headphones.
  • Use Office Channels for Communication: If a student needs to contact parents/guardians during the day, they must go through the school’s main office rather than using their own phone.

CONSEQUENCES FOR OFFENSES INCLUDE:

  • Verbal Warnings.
  • Confiscation of the device by school staff.
  • Parent notification.


THE BENEFITS & OUTCOMES:

  • Focused Learning Boosts Academic Grades: Students not using phones write down 62% more information and score 1.5 letter grades higher on tests.

  • Dramatically Reduced Bullying and Anxiety: School smartphone bans have been shown to reduce bullying in students by 43-46%


 

 

 

 

  • Report drugs, weapons, bullying, threats, or other safety issues.

    Toll-Free 1-877-SAY-STOP

    24 hours a day/7 days a week

    Co-Sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Department of Public Safety

     

    Click the image below to download a copy of the Safe Schools Hotline Poster

    A yellow informational sign for the Safe Schools Hotline featuring the toll-free number 1-877-SAY-STOP.

  •   Unplug to Connect!

    Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act
    Georgia has passed a new law to help students focus, learn better, and connect more with each other.  

    WHAT IS EXPECTED FOR STUDENTS?A smartphone screen displays an informational graphic for Catoosa County Public Schools explaining their new bell-to-bell device restriction policy.

    • Power Down and Store Away: Devices must be turned off before the day starts and kept in a designated spot, such as a locker, a locked pouch, or a personal backpack.
    • Zero Device Access: "Access" means viewing, holding, wearing, or using any personal electronic device. This includes smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and headphones.
    • Use Office Channels for Communication: If a student needs to contact parents/guardians during the day, they must go through the school’s main office rather than using their own phone.

    CONSEQUENCES FOR OFFENSES INCLUDE:

    • Verbal Warnings.
    • Confiscation of the device by school staff.
    • Parent notification.


    THE BENEFITS & OUTCOMES:

    • Focused Learning Boosts Academic Grades: Students not using phones write down 62% more information and score 1.5 letter grades higher on tests.

    • Dramatically Reduced Bullying and Anxiety: School smartphone bans have been shown to reduce bullying in students by 43-46%