South Carolina is advancing toward a significant shift in its public school policies, as the state Board of Education granted initial approval on August 13th to a new “model policy” aimed at banning cell phones and other electronic devices in K-12 schools across the state. This move comes in response to a 2024 state budget amendment mandating that schools prohibit students from using “personal electronic communication devices” during the school day.
Under the proposed policy:
- All internet-connected devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and gaming devices, must be secured in a locker, backpack, or other designated area from the first to the last bell of the school day. Additionally, schools may choose to ban these devices entirely from campus.
- Exemptions will be made for students with certain medical conditions and those serving as first responders.
- Violations of the policy will result in “progressive consequences” and disciplinary actions.
The S.C. Department of Education (SCDE) provided three key reasons for implementing this policy:
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Impact on Academic Performance and Mental Health: Social science research has linked the use of smartphones with declining academic performance and increased mental health issues among teens.
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Teacher Support: A survey of 9,000 South Carolina teachers revealed strong backing for a statewide ban on electronic devices in schools.
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National Trends: Several other states have already taken steps to ban or restrict smartphone use in schools, setting a precedent that South Carolina is now following.
SCDE spokesperson Jason Raven expressed the department’s support for the ban, stating to Statehouse Report, “Research and feedback show that the widespread use of smartphones in schools has created serious academic, mental health, and safety challenges. All South Carolina students deserve to flourish in a learning environment free of constant digital distractions.”
The state Board of Education is expected to give final approval to the policy in September, with local school districts required to implement the ban by January 2025. If passed, this policy could mark a major shift in how South Carolina schools manage technology in the classroom, prioritizing student focus and well-being over the convenience of digital connectivity.
Stay tuned to Crime and Cask News for updates on this developing story as South Carolina navigates the challenges and implications of enforcing this new policy.