COLUMBIA – The S.C. Department of Education has issued a Free to Focus policy, mandated for all South Carolina public schools.
A media release from the Department of Education, states that the policy seeks to create a phone-free environment during school hours to help students engage, focus, and grow their college and career-ready skills.
The policy mandates that cell phones must be powered off and put away from ‘Bell to Bell’ during the school day. ‘Bell to Bell’ is defined as the period of time from the start of school (tardy bell) until afternoon dismissal.
The policy will be enforced beginning Jan. 1, 2025.