Cell Phones/Personal Electronic Devices

Additional Comments

The following excerpt is directly from a recent South Carolina State Department of Education (SCDE) memo: “Per the FY 2024-25 Appropriations Act and Proviso 1.103 students in South Carolina’s public schools are not permitted to access their cell phones or any other personal electronic device during the school day.” For the purposes of this proviso, the state has defined a personal electronic device as: “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.”

The policy was adopted by the CSD Board of Trustees at their meeting during the Fall of 2024 prohibiting cell phone use from the morning tardy bell until the afternoon dismissal bell. The policy also prohibits the use of peripheral devices, including, but not limited to, gaming systems, smart watches, and headphones or earbuds. 

The proviso is part of the state's new Free to Focus SC initiative to create a phone-free school environment that fosters a positive learning experience free from electronic distractions. For more details about this policy, visit the SC Department of Education's website, https://ed.sc.gov/initiatives/free-to-focus/. 

While this may be an adjustment for many of our students, it is an opportunity for students to focus on their academics and limit distractions. This law is intended to address the major themes of mental health, student behavioral and social issues, cyberbullying, cheating/academic dishonesty, teacher morale, and lost learning. In the event you have an urgent matter that needs to be communicated to your child, please plan to contact school office personnel as staff will make every effort to communicate the information to your child. Students also have school email accounts to which parents may send email messages.

Refusal to comply or disrespect to staff in connection with this policy will receive additional consequences that may include ISS, OSS, or recommendation for expulsion.