Georgetown County School District issues new rule restricting cellphone use

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)– The South Carolina Department of Education is drafting a policy banning the use of cell phones, which could start as soon as the upcoming school year.

The ban is tied to a provision that districts must abide by if they receive state funding. Officials said the decision came after some counties across the state saw success in banning cell phones.

This upcoming school year, teachers are working to improve students’ academic success by prohibiting the use of cell phones during school hours. 

“When we think of the benefits of what cell phone restrictions can do, we see that it does improve academic performance, has the potential to lesson classroom disruptions, and, most of all, engages the students in their learning,” said Dr. Bethany Giles, the Interim Superintendent for Georgetown County School District 

According to a recent survey by the South Carolina Department of Education, 83% of teachers across the state said cell phones have become a distraction in the classrooms. Now, leaders are working to fix that problem. The restrictions include any device connected to the internet, Wi-Fi, or cell service. 

” If there’s ever a time a student needs to access their parent, they can use our telephone lines, or we can make arrangements for that. We don’t want parents ever to feel they do not have contact with their students. It is possible, and we will encourage that to use our telephone systems,” said Giles

Officials said for learning purposes, depending on the school, students will be provided with an electronic device such as a laptop, Chrome Book, or iPad with restricted software, which they hope will mitigate the social and emotional issues – like bullying – that come with personal electronic devices.

“Ultimately, we want our students to be academically successful. We promote the whole child and look at the social and emotional aspects. So, at the end of the day, it is about the students and ensuring their success,” said Giles.

Officials said students will be made aware of the new rule when school starts, and there will be consequences for those who violate the policy.