Rome City Schools Launches ‘Disengage to Engage’ No Cell Phone Initiative

Rome City Schools has announced a significant new policy aimed at reducing digital distractions in classrooms and creating a more focused learning environment. The “Disengage to Engage” initiative, effective August 1, is part of the district’s effort to align with Georgia’s recently passed House Bill 340, also known as the Distraction-Free Education Act.

Under the new policy, all Kindergarten through eighth grade students will be required to turn in their personal mobile devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets, to their homeroom teacher at the start of the school day. These devices will be securely stored in designated classroom storage boxes and returned to students at the end of the day.

The Distraction-Free Education Act defines “access” broadly, covering any use of personal electronic devices during instructional hours for communication, gaming, recording, internet browsing, or music. The policy aims to eliminate these distractions throughout the school day.

School officials say the initiative is designed to boost academic performance, improve mental health, and encourage stronger social connections among students. “By removing digital distractions, Rome City Schools aims to empower students to be fully present in their educational journey and engage more meaningfully with their peers and teachers,” the district said in a statement.

For emergencies, parents can contact the school directly, and students will be permitted to use front office phones when necessary. Exceptions will be made for students with documented medical needs, IEPs, or 504 accommodations requiring access to personal devices.

The district expressed gratitude to parents and the community for supporting this step toward more effective learning environments.