Cell Phone Ban Goes Into Effect In Aiken County Public Schools in January

A cell phone ban will go into effect the day Aiken County students return to the classroom after the holiday break on January 7.

The Aiken County Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to ban the use of cell phones and other electronic devices, such as smart watches, tablets and gaming devices, during the school day.

The school's existing cell phone policy has been revised to prevent elementary school students to have phones at all in school.

According to the new policy, middle and high school students must have their phones turned off and put away at all times during the school day.

School boards in South Carolina will now be required to enforce a ban on student use of cell phones during the school day beginning in January 2025.

This policy, which was approved by the State Board of Education in September this year, was formed to address the concerns about student well-being and academic performance.

"It's an important step in fostering a more focused and respectful learning environment," said Aiken County School Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy.

Murphy said students have been expecting the policy change, and he's anticipating a smooth transition.

Richmond County students have had a similar ban in place since school began in August.

In addition to the cell phone ban going into place when students return to school in January, they are now scheduled to start hitting the books a day earlier than scheduled.

Students were supposed to return to the classroom Tuesday, January 7, but the school board decided this week that Monday, January 6, will now be a remote learning day.

Students were out of school on September 27 and scheduled to learn remotely in anticipation of Hurricane Helene's arrival, so officials say that day must be made up before the end of the school year.

Most of the area was without power and teachers were not able to communicate by phone or email.