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Cell Phone Free Policy

South Carolina State Legislation enacted Bill 3293, amending Section 59-63-280, which mandates the South Carolina Department of Education to develop guidance for local school divisions to implement cell phone-free educational environments by January 2025. This bill is designed to protect instructional time and enhance students' mental well-being.

Policy JICJ: Anti-Bullying/School Safety

Policy Implementation and Enforcement 

During the school day, students are prohibited from accessing their personal electronic devices, unless authorized for classroom use. Students may not wear or access device accessories during the school day. Students must store their devices and device accessories in lockers, backpacks, or otherwise as directed by the school district during the school day. Districts may forbid student possession of devices and device accessories on school property. 

  • A) If explicitly required by a student’s IEP, Medical Plan, or 504 plan, the student shall be allowed to access their personal electronic device for medically or educationally necessary purposes described and required for administration of the IEP, Medical Plan or 504 plan. 
  • B) A student who is a member of a volunteer firefighting organization or emergency organization may be authorized to carry a device with written permission from the District Superintendent or his/her designee. 
  • C) If a student violates the preceding rules during the school day, the student will be subject to progressive consequences in the student code of conduct and disciplinary enforcement procedures. 
Student putting phone in locking pouch.
Student locking way their phone in the gymnasium.
Student Unlocking their Phone Pouch at the End of the Day

What does this mean?

During the school day, students are required to secure their phones in locked pouches. These pouches may either be distributed to students daily upon arrival or provided for students to keep, depending on each school's preference. The pouches will remain in the students' possession and be unlocked at the end of the school day. If a student uses their personal electronic device during school hours, their parent or guardian will be contacted. Repeated violations may lead to additional consequences, including further notifications, a parent/guardian meeting with administration, confiscation of the device, a requirement for the parent to retrieve the device, and/or other disciplinary actions.

Picture of a student with a binder and on the phone. She appears to be outside.

Why this matters:

  • Protecting Instructional Time: Cell phones can be significant distractions, preventing students from fully engaging in their studies.
  • Supporting Mental Well-Being: Limiting screen time can reduce anxiety, social pressures, and other mental health challenges.

Key Areas of Impact:

Students capture 62% more information in class without cell phones.
Students spend an average of 5 hours a day on social media.

FAQs:

41% of teens with high social media use experience poor mental health.
Students check their phone 100 times a day.