SC "Free to Focus" Cell Phone Policy in SDPC

What is SC "Free to Focus"

Free to Focus SC is the South Carolina Department of Education's initiative to create a phone-free school environment that fosters a positive learning experience free from electronic distractions.

You can read more about the SC "Free to Focus" initiative here: https://ed.sc.gov/initiatives/free-to-focus/

Free to Focus Initiative of SC Dept. of Ed.

The "Why"

Under a new South Carolina policy, schools are required to limit students' access to cell phones and other personal devices during the school day. The School District of Pickens County has adopted a revised Personal Electronic Device Policy to comply with state law (Budget Proviso 1.103).

According to the South Carolina Department of Education, this change is supported by research indicating that while cell phones can be helpful tools, they often create distractions, increase stress, and can contribute to challenges such as bullying or anxiety. Schools that have implemented phone-free environments report that students are more engaged in their learning, less anxious, and better able to build positive connections with peers and staff.

The purpose of this policy is to establish a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions caused by personal electronic devices. By prohibiting access to personal electronic devices during the school day, we aim to foster academic engagement, collaboration, and development of skills necessary for success in college, careers, and life, in alignment with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.

This policy has been developed in accordance with the General Appropriations Bill, H. 5100 of 2024, Proviso 1.103, which mandates all school districts to prohibit student access to personal electronic devices during the school day, except under authorized circumstances.

View the SDPC Policy

Our Policy

The following model policy was created to conform with the state mandated Budget Proviso 1.103 (SDE: Anti-Bullying School Safety) which states that to receive state funds allocated for State Aid to Classrooms, a school district shall implement a policy adopted by the State Board of Education that prohibits access to personal electronic communication devices by students during the school day. 

General Prohibitions

  1. During the School Day: Personal electronic devices are prohibited during instructional hours for all grade levels. Devices must be silenced and stored in lockers, backpacks, or other designated areas throughout the instructional time.

  2. Before and After the School Day: Each school's principal or designee may establish rules regarding personal electronic device use before or after the instructional period to support the school environment and prevent disruptions.

  3. Bus Usage: Students may use personal electronic devices while on school buses or during school-sponsored trips, subject to the discretion of the bus driver, teacher or event supervisor. However, distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated.

Exceptions and Authorized Use:

  1. Instructional Classroom Use: Device use for instructional purposes may be permitted under limited circumstances where district-provided resources are insufficient to meet educational objectives. Written approval must be obtained from the district superintendent or designee, and use must align with those objectives. The approval may be revoked at any time if the use disrupts the learning environment.

  2. Medical or Safety Needs: Devices needed for medical purposes, as outlined in a student's IEP, 504 Plan, or Medical Plan, are permitted.

  3. Emergency Personnel: Students who are members of a volunteer firefighting or emergency response organization may carry personal electronic devices with written permission from the district superintendent or designee.

  4. A student may use a personal communication device to communicate with their parent/guardian and/or place of employment and/or physician/counselor during non instructional times through a process approved by the district superintendent or his/her designee.

  5. The state imposed restrictions do not apply to school field trips. Parameters pertaining to the use of personal electronic devices during field trips will be communicated by schools to parents/guardians.

You can view the policy and consequences at the link here: SDPC Cell Phone Policy

Frequently Asked Questions