Cell Phones Will Be Banned Soon In South Carolina Schools
Cell phones will be banned in all public schools in South Carolina by 2025, according to the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE).
Officials say they’re working on drafting a policy that will ban the use of cell phones and other electronic communications devices in the classroom.
SCDE officials say the policy is needed in order for school districts to receive state funding.
“To receive state funds allocated for State Aid to Classrooms, a school district shall implement a policy adopted by the State Board of Education that prohibits access to personal electronic communication devices by students during the school day.
For purposes of this provision, a personal electronic communication device is considered to be a device not authorized for classroom use by a student, utilized to access the internet, wi-fi, or cellular telephone signals,” according to a proviso included in the state’s FY 2024-25 budget.
Cell Phones are a Distraction in the Classroom
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has already publicly said he’s in favor of the ban.
“Teachers should be free to teach and students free to learn without the burden of added distraction,” said McMaster.
The SCDE released a statement that says the goal of full implementation of the cell phone ban across the state is by January 2025. That, they say, is if local boards take action in September or October.
Cell Phone Ban in Place in Richmond County Schools
When Richmond County students began a new school year this week. there was one big change right off the bat.
The school board recently approved a ban on cellphones during the school day, adding the goal is to cut down on the number of distractions from learning and the loss of instructional time.
The ban not only includes cellphones, but also smart phones, smart watches, any type of headphones, earbuds, and other devices or accessories used to electronically communicate.
Students are not allowed to use cell phones in the common areas, hallways, restrooms, locker rooms or any other areas during the instructional day.
Students will be able to make emergency calls in the main office. Failure to adhere to the new policy will result in disciplinary action that begins with confiscation of the phone and could lead to in-school suspension for repeated offenses, according to the policy.
