Many people have shared mixed thoughts on the recent changes to South Carolina’s Department of Education Cell Phone Policy. It has recently become a controversial topic and has caused many arguments among the media.
The new law was approved and began in January 2025, just in time for the new semester. While dealing with stress from new classes and new teachers, students also had to adapt to the implementation of the statewide cell phone policy.
Many students have shared mixed opinions.
Fiona Anderson, a sophomore, shared, “It makes me focus on my school work more, and I don’t feel the need to go on my phone as often, even outside of school. It makes me do better in school without having to worry about who texted me; instead I can focus on class. “
According to The South Carolina Department of Education,“ the model cell phone policy seeks to provide an atmosphere that enhances focus and engagement, allowing students to develop the college and career-ready skills.”
While some say this argument has been supported, some say the policy has only made students angry and is unnecessary. Even though the new policy has helped with students paying more attention, students still feel it has negatively affected them.
Isabella Dorman, a sophomore, feels the cell phone policy has negatively affected students, especially if they feel they need to notify their parents.
“I have no problem giving my phone to my teachers when I am going against my school rules, but to take away the property that my school did not purchase makes me uncomfortable and angry. I should have the right of keeping my property by my side.”
Students are not the only ones affected by the new cell phone policy. Teachers have also experienced both negative and positive effects of it.
Alexis Allen, an English teacher, was asked how the policy has both positively and negatively affected students.
“Students spend more time on the assignments because they have nothing else to do. Negatively, however, it does put more pressure on me as a teacher to monitor that kind of behavior and constantly have to check and see if everyone’s got it in their box. It adds another thing to my list of duties. I do think it’s more positive than negative because I think it gives kids more opportunity to focus on their work.”
Even though opinions are mixed, overall, the South Carolina Department of Education’s new policy has made students focus more and not be so in tune with their devices. Instead, students can lock in their studies instead of phones.
