State approves policy banning cell phone usage by students

State Officials have approved a policy that will prohibit students from using electronic devices during the school day. The South Carolina Board Of Education says districts statewide will now have until January to draft their local policy in compliance with state regulations.

The Board says districts that do not comply would risk losing state funding. The policy says students will have to store their devices in a locker, backpack or other school specified areas.

The policy was adopted after teachers statewide were surveyed and spoke on their experiences with usage of cell phones in their classrooms.