GCSD sees positive impact from phone restriction policy ahead of statewide ban

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)–Many school districts in South Carolina will soon be enforcing a strict no-phone policy after it received final approval from the state board on Tuesday.

Beginning in January 2025, schools across the state must comply with the new policy, which bans using specific electronic devices, including cell phones, during school hours. Educators said they believe limiting distractions will dramatically improve academic and social outcomes for students. 

“I think this is a critically important step in addressing the mental health crisis faced by our students, as well as improving academic performance and student safety within our schools. A growing body of research demonstrates and documents the ever-increasing negative impact that unregulated or under-regulated access, smartphones, and social media are having on our teenagers,” said Patrick Kelly from Palmetto State Teachers Association. 

Georgetown County is one of several school districts that have already started the cell phone ban. Many teachers said they have noticed a positive impact on student’s behavior and involvement.

“Engagement in the classroom has risen significantly because distractions are not present, and it was not easily accessible before, even if students weren’t using it. Having that out of the way increased student engagement,” said Alan Walters, GCSD’s chief operations officer.

Despite the expected benefits, some parents raised concerns about safety and how they would contact their children in an emergency. Educators said safety is a priority, and the ban will not interfere.

“This is a ban on cell phone access during the instructional day. I’m a classroom teacher who has been locked in a closet with students during an active shooter situation, and I can assure parents that, at that moment, my priority is keeping students safe. It is not trying to collect a cell phone, said Kelly.”

Officials said the statewide mandate will begin in the first quarter of the new year.