HORRY COUNTY, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Education is preparing to introduce a new policy that would prohibit the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices in schools starting from the upcoming academic year.
This policy requirement is linked to state funding for school districts. According to a state Department of Education official, the decision follows successful implementations of similar policies in various South Carolina districts and across the United States.
In late May, the state superintendent of education conducted a survey among certified teachers regarding cell phone use in schools, with 10,000 teachers participating. Results showed that 83% of high school teachers believe cell phones are a daily distraction in classrooms. Additionally, 92% of teachers expressed support for limiting cell phone access, with 55% favoring a complete ban during school hours.
Many parents in Horry County also agree that a cell phone ban could enhance the learning environment for students.
“If they want to come up with a way to prevent guns and weapons coming into the school, then we could talk about a cell phone ban,” said Heather Thomas, expressing her concerns.
The Department of Education aims to address cyber safety and in-school security concerns with this proposed policy. If approved, all schools in South Carolina would need to implement cell phone restrictions or a complete ban by January 2025 to qualify for state funding.
Horry County Schools and other districts are awaiting further developments pending a Department of Education meeting next month. Meanwhile, Georgetown County plans to enforce “electronic communication device procedures” at the start of the upcoming school year, effectively banning personal devices in classrooms.