COLUMBIA – South Carolina is one step closer to banning cell phones in public schools after the state Board of Education gave initial approval Aug. 13 to a “model policy” that would apply to K-12 schools throughout the state.
The board’s action was in response to a 2024 state budget amendment requiring schools to prohibit the use of “personal electronic communication devices by students” during the class day.
“I’ve heard from teachers and even some students that cell phone use during school hours can be distracting,” said Rep. Annie McDaniel. “We probably should have thought through the protocol before ever allowing students to bring their cell phones into the classroom in the first place. I think some restrictions are necessary, but I also hope medical and safety issues will be well thought out before we just pull students’ cell phones.”
Under the model policy as drafted:
All internet-connected electronic devices – cell phones, smart watches, tablets, gaming devices and more – must be secured in a locker, backpack or other school-designated location from first to last bell. Schools can also ban the devices from campus.
Students with certain medical conditions and those who serve as first responders are exempt.
Students who violate the policy will be subject to “progressive consequences … and disciplinary enforcement procedures.”
In an accompanying background document, the S.C. Department of Education (SCDE) offered three rationales for the policy:
Social science studies linking smart-phone use with poor academic performance and teen mental-health issues;
A survey of 9,000 S.C. teachers showing strong support for a statewide ban; and
Recent moves by other states to prohibit the technology.
SCDE spokesman Jason Raven told Statehouse Report the department is “thankful” the ban is moving forward.
“Research and feedback show that the widespread use of smartphones in schools has created serious academic, mental health, and safety challenges,” Raven said in a Thursday statement. “All South Carolina students deserve to flourish in a learning environment free of constant digital distractions.”
Board members are expected to give final approval to the policy in September, with local district implementation required by January 2025.
Published in coordination with StatehouseReport.com with assistance from the S.C. Institute for Independent Journalism.
