Laurens County School District 55 Rolls Out New Cell Phone Policies for Students

The Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) Administration is being proactive with the implementation of school rules on the use of cell phones at schools, following the release of the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) Memorandum on Cell Phone Survey Results and Policy Development on June 27, 2024. 

Data from the statewide SCDE survey indicate teacher support for a policy limiting cell phone access. Data showed that students are missing instructional time due to cell phone distractions and that cell phone use causes behavioral and social issues. The SCDE Memorandum quoted the South Carolina Senate Proviso 1.103, “To receive state funds allocated for State Aid to Classrooms, a school district shall implement a policy adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE) that prohibits access to personal electronic communication devices by students during the school day…”

The SCDE is leading the work in drafting a model policy and anticipates the adoption of a passed policy by October 2024 and full implementation no later than January 2025. During a meeting with principals, assistant principals, and the LCSD 55 District Cabinet, a decision was made to implement Cell Phone Use Rules beginning with the 2024-25 school year. There will be no use of cell phones for students in kindergarten – 8th grades at all LCSD 55 schools and the Laurens Preparatory Academy (LPA). There will be no use of cell phones at Laurens District 55 High School (LDHS) for all students in 9th-12th grades during class time. Students will be allowed to bring their cell phones to school for use before and after school hours. Additional changes will be made after the Board Policy is approved if needed.