Free to Focus

South Carolina Free to Focus, a Project of Your South Carolina Deaprtment of Education

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. By prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during the school day, this policy aims to provide an environment that enhances focus and engagement, allowing students to develop the college and career-ready skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Students will have more opportunities to engage in meaningful interactions, collaborate with peers, and cultivate the essential skills necessary for success in college, careers, and life.

Proviso 1.103 in the General Appropriations Bill, H.5100 of 2024, reads the following: 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. For purposes of this provision, 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.

Model Policy

On September 3, 2024, the State Board of Education officially adopted a model policy prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during the school day. The model policy pre-reading is also available.

Administrator Toolkit

Free to Focus Administrator Toolkit Download (open in new window)

What They're Saying

Between May 27 and June 7, 9,738 teachers responded to a four-question survey, sent to all educators statewide, about their experiences with student cell phone use in their schools. The responses spanned 4,816 elementary, 2,834 middle, 1,785 high and 303 administrative and support staff. Teachers also had the opportunity to provide open-ended feedback on the topic. Major themes of their responses are described below.

District Communications

Cell Phone Policy Memorandum

Cell Phone Policy

Videos

In August 2023, Rock Hill Schools implemented a district-wide personal electronic device policy. The policy reads, "personal electronic devices are not permitted to be on or visible during the school day and should be stored in lockers or backpacks while on campus between student arrival and dismissal bell.

Miss South Carolina Teen '24 - Mary Elle Marchant discusses her platform #HangUpandHangOut, which encourages teens to unplug from their devices and connect more deeply with the world around them. She believes that less screen time can lead to better mental health and stronger personal relationships.

To begin the 2023-2024 school year, Darlington Middle School administration implemented "Up and away until the end of the day", a cell phone policy that prohibits students from using personal devices from bell to bell. The school has seen significant positive change in its culture since the policy was put in place.

Johann Hari is an acclaimed author, journalist and thinker known for his work on attention, mental health and social issues. He has written three New York Times bestselling books, including Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention, which explores the reasons behind our declining ability to focus and its impact on society. In addition to his writing, Hari has produced an Oscar-nominated movie and a TV series. Born in Scotland and raised in London, Johann studied Social and Political Science at King’s College, Cambridge. He splits his time between London and traveling the world to conduct research for his books.