Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, South Carolina implemented a new cell phone policy across all public school districts. The policy, which was sent to every superintendent in the state by the Department of Education, aims to reduce distractions in the classroom and help students and teachers focus on learning. The initiative comes in response to declining test scores, which have worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new rule prohibits the use of any device that can connect to the internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular signals during school hours.
Brady Boggess (11) understands why the policy was introduced and believes it will benefit students both academically and behaviorally.
“I think the government imposed this policy because it’s important for students to focus on what’s happening in the classroom,” Boggess said. “It will also help students prepare for graduation or for those starting high school. Another reason is to address bullying, especially with students recording bullying incidents and posting them online. Hopefully, this new policy will help reduce bullying and encourage students to support each other.”
While many students agree that something needed to change regarding phone use in schools, the policy still surprised some after returning from winter break.
Drake Vaughn (10) disagrees with Boggess, believing the policy won’t lead to significant change.
“The policy doesn’t change much,” Vaughn said. “We already weren’t allowed to have phones or earbuds in class, but people still did. Now, it’s just a more rigid restriction—bell to bell, regardless of where you are. I’ve already missed important messages because I can’t access my phone during lunch.”
Maxine Messer (12) would like some flexibility in the new rules.
“One thing I’d change is allowing students to use their phones during lunch,” Messer said. “It’s a time for students to take a break from work.”
Many students, like Boggess and Vaughn agree with Messer and wish the policy allowed phone use during lunch. However, the bell-to-bell restrictions are mandated by state law, and the state Board of Education has warned that any district that fails to comply could face funding cuts.
Robin Foster (11), is more understanding of the policy and the concerns behind it.
“The increasing presence of phones in people’s lives has been a common topic for a few years, so I’m not surprised the state took action,” Foster said. “I think the threat of removing funding is a bit extreme, but it seems effective.”
Because the State Board of Education allowed each district to enforce the policy in its own way, schools have implemented it with varying degrees of strictness. At Spartanburg High School, the rules specify that no electronic devices can be used during school hours if they can connect to the internet, Wi-Fi, stream video, take photos or receive texts. Students are still allowed to have phones, but they must be turned off. Any notification or noise from a phone may result in confiscation. Teachers are required to report any violation in an online database, and each offense carries progressively severe consequences, essentially following a three-strikes policy.
Foster appreciates that Spartanburg High’s policy is less strict than others.
“We can have our phones in the mornings, and we don’t have to use those notorious phone pouches. The announcement every period reminding us not to use phones is a bit unnerving, but overall, it’s not too bad. It will just take some time to adjust,” Foster said.
Despite mixed reactions, the policy is here to stay. It was introduced because a change was deemed necessary, and many hope it will create a more focused learning environment.
Harmoni Harris (9), while frustrated she can’t use her phone at lunch, understands the reasoning behind the policy.
“I hope the policy leads to students being more focused in the classroom and less addicted to their phones,” Harris said.
The policy’s hoped-for outcomes include increased student engagement, improved test scores, and stronger social connections among students. Whether or not it achieves these goals, the debate over phone use in schools is far from over—one thing is clear: this change is here to stay.
