Cell Phone Information

In May 2024, the South Carolina Legislature passed Proviso 1.103, Anti-Bullying/School Safety.  As a part of this proviso, all school districts in South Carolina are required to adopt a policy by January 1, 2025, prohibiting students from using cell phones on school campuses during the school day.  

The School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties Board of Trustees has revised Board Policy JICJ (Prohibition of Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day) to put School District Five in compliance with the proviso.  This policy has the following requirements, which are effective January 1, 2025:

• During the school day, students are prohibited from accessing their personal electronic devices.  Students may not utilize the function of electronic communication on device accessories during the school day. Students must store away and silence their devices and/or device accessories in lockers, backpacks, or otherwise as directed by the school district during the school day. Exceptions granted for other authorized reasons (i.e. emergency situations) will be determined by the school district.
• If explicitly required by a student’s IEP, Medical Plan, or 504 plan, the student shall be allowed to access their personal electronic device for medically or educationally necessary purposes described and required for administration of the IEP, Medical Plan or 504 plan.
• A student who is a member of a volunteer firefighting organization or emergency organization may be authorized to carry a device with written permission from the District Superintendent or his/her designee.
• If a student violates the preceding rules during the school day, the student will be subject to progressive consequences in the Student Code of Conduct Handbook as outlined under Category 1.270 and/or 2.270 - Refusal to Obey.