HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — South Carolina’s Board of Education on Tuesday approved a policy barring students from using electronic devices during the school day, giving districts until January to draft local rules or risk losing state aid.
“Research and feedback show that the widespread use of smartphones in schools has created serious academic, mental health, and discipline challenges,” State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said in a statement. “With this policy, South Carolina students will be free to focus on their academic future and building life-long friendships in a safe environment, while South Carolina educators are free to focus on teaching.”
“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, language in the policy says.
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.”