The South Carolina Department of Education has taken another step toward enhancing student focus and improving academic outcomes by launching the “Free to Focus SC” initiative. This comprehensive program, developed alongside a statewide bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools, provides a centralized resource hub for parents, educators, and students, offering updated guidance, tools, and support as schools implement the new policy.
The “Free to Focus SC” program stems from a new policy approved by the South Carolina Board of Education that will prohibit students from using cell phones and other personal devices during school hours. The ban, which takes effect in January 2025, is designed to eliminate digital distractions and create a more focused learning environment. Under the policy, students will not be allowed to access their phones from the time they arrive at school until they are dismissed in the afternoon.
The new rule was developed after extensive research highlighted the negative effects of smartphone use on student performance and well-being. Many South Carolina educators reported that cell phones contribute to behavioral issues such as cyberbullying, cheating, and reduced engagement in the classroom. By removing the distraction of personal devices, schools aim to create a setting where students can develop the skills necessary to succeed in college, careers, and life.
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver voiced her support for the policy, explaining that it aligns with South Carolina’s broader mission of preparing students for the future. “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,” Weaver said.
While the ban applies to all public schools in the state, local districts have been granted flexibility in how they implement and enforce the policy. Each district will have the authority to decide on specific measures for ensuring compliance, such as requiring students to store their phones in lockers, pouches, or backpacks. Districts will also determine appropriate disciplinary actions for students who violate the ban.
The policy includes exceptions for students who require access to their phones due to medical needs or disabilities. Additionally, district superintendents can authorize phone use for educational purposes if it cannot be achieved with district-provided technology. These exceptions allow schools to maintain a balance between enforcing the ban and meeting individual student needs.
To monitor the success of the policy, the Department of Education will conduct a survey of district leaders in the spring of 2025. The survey will assess the effectiveness of the ban and provide insights into any potential challenges or unintended consequences. Based on the results, the state may revisit and revise the policy for the 2025-2026 school year.
The “Free to Focus SC” initiative was launched on September 2nd and is an online platform that serves as a one-stop resource for all stakeholders involved in the cell phone ban. This website is designed to help parents, educators, and students navigate the transition to a phone-free school environment, providing them with essential information, guidance, and support.
The “Free to Focus SC” homepage will be regularly updated with a wide range of resources. These include guidelines for parents on how to support their children through the adjustment period, tips for educators on enforcing the ban effectively, and links to Public Service Announcements (PSAs) designed to raise awareness about the benefits of reducing smartphone use in schools. The website will also feature educational materials explaining the research behind the policy and its expected impact on student outcomes.
By offering these resources, the Department of Education hopes to ease concerns from parents who may be worried about their children’s inability to contact them during the school day. State officials have reassured families that students will still be able to reach their parents when necessary, while the absence of phones during instructional time will encourage them to remain focused on learning.
Weaver has stressed that the goal is not to punish students but to foster a more productive and engaging academic environment. “The whole idea behind this policy is that we want students in classrooms getting instruction,” she said. “Punishments that take students out of that instructional space really don’t make a lot of sense.”
While the “Free to Focus SC” program is considered a step forward in improving student focus and performance, there are concerns about the practical challenges of enforcing a statewide cell phone ban. Some educators have expressed doubts about the feasibility of keeping students away from their phones, pointing out that smartphones have become deeply integrated into students’ daily lives. Matthew Ferguson, Deputy Superintendent in the Department of Education, acknowledged the challenge, stating, “They are quite literally addicted to them.”
Despite these concerns, many districts are optimistic about the policy’s potential. Some schools, like those in Rock Hill and Horry County, have already implemented similar restrictions with positive results. These early adopters have found that removing phones from the classroom has led to fewer disruptions and increased student engagement.
As the January 2025 implementation date approaches, schools will continue to prepare for the policy’s rollout. Parents, educators, and students are encouraged to visit the “Free to Focus SC” website for the latest updates, resources, and guidance as they transition to a more focused, phone-free learning environment.
For more information, visit the official “Free to Focus SC” webpage at ed.sc.gov/freetofocus.
