School District Five to implement new cell phone policy in January

For Immediate Release – December 17, 2024

School District Five to implement new cell phone policy in January

In May 2024, the South Carolina Legislature passed Proviso 1.103, entitled Anti-Bullying/School Safety. As a part of this Proviso, to receive state funds allocated for State Aid to Classrooms, all school districts in South Carolina shall implement a policy by January 1, 2025, that prohibits access to personal electronic communication devices by students during the instructional day.  For purposes of this Proviso, a personal electronic communication device is considered to be a device not authorized for classroom use by a student, utilized to access the internet, wi-fi, or cellular telephone signals.

On October 28, 2024, School District Five of Lexington-Richland Counties Board of Trustees approved the adoption of Policy JICJ - Personal Electronic Device During the School Day.  This Policy states that no personal wireless communication device or device accessory connected to a wireless communication device will be used from the morning tardy bell until afternoon dismissal, which is the conclusion of the instructional day.

However, as with many policies, exceptions are made under specific circumstances.  Exceptions are made for emergency situations as determined by the school district; and for students that require personal electronic devices for purposes of their individualized education program (IEP), Medical Plan, or 504 Plan.  This Policy does not apply to school buses, field trips, or athletic events.

Parents are asked to remind their child(ren) that the expectation for all students is that personal electronic devices and their accessories are to be silenced and stored away from the morning tardy bell until afternoon dismissal, during the change of classes, and during the lunch period. If the student is seen with a device or device accessory that violates Board Policy JICJ, the student will be asked to silence and store the device away.

In the rare instance when a student refuses to comply, the student will be subject to progressive discipline as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct Handbook under “Refusal to Obey” (1.270 or 2.270). Any student who uses a personal electronic device to record and/or distribute inappropriate or disruptive content of other students while on school grounds is subject to disciplinary actions.

It is the District’s hope that parents/guardians will partner with their students’ schools to ensure that all students are aware of the expectations in the District Policy and State Law (effective January 1, 2025). Schools will continue to reiterate these changes via newsletters, websites, and social media.