State Board adopts new cell phone policy for local schools amid mental health concerns
April 29, 2025 | 2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina
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The South Carolina Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss critical initiatives aimed at enhancing educational resources and addressing mental health challenges among students. A significant focus of the meeting was the implementation of a new cell phone policy in schools, which mandates local school boards to adopt a model policy or risk losing state funding.
The cell phone policy, part of this year's appropriations bill, aims to regulate student access to electronic devices during school hours. Schools have the option to allow phones in backpacks or lockers, but a complete ban has not been adopted by any district. The policy also includes provisions for exceptions, such as for students with specific educational needs or those serving as volunteer firefighters.
In addition to the cell phone policy, the committee discussed strategies to support local leaders in fostering positive school cultures and addressing behavioral and mental health needs. This includes the distribution of high-quality educational resources, leveraging a law from two decades ago focused on character education.
The meeting also highlighted a statewide community engagement program, inspired by a similar initiative in Florida, which encourages state employees to volunteer in local schools. This program aims to strengthen community ties and provide additional support to educators and students.
Furthermore, the committee reviewed the state’s budget request, which includes a proposed $200 million increase to raise starting teacher salaries to $50,000. This is part of a broader investment strategy that has seen $1.6 billion allocated to education since the 2018-2019 fiscal year, with a focus on student success, teacher support, and safe school environments.
These discussions reflect a commitment to improving educational outcomes and addressing the pressing mental health needs of students in South Carolina. The committee's actions are expected to have a lasting impact on the state's educational landscape, fostering a more supportive and effective learning environment for all students.
The cell phone policy, part of this year's appropriations bill, aims to regulate student access to electronic devices during school hours. Schools have the option to allow phones in backpacks or lockers, but a complete ban has not been adopted by any district. The policy also includes provisions for exceptions, such as for students with specific educational needs or those serving as volunteer firefighters.
In addition to the cell phone policy, the committee discussed strategies to support local leaders in fostering positive school cultures and addressing behavioral and mental health needs. This includes the distribution of high-quality educational resources, leveraging a law from two decades ago focused on character education.
The meeting also highlighted a statewide community engagement program, inspired by a similar initiative in Florida, which encourages state employees to volunteer in local schools. This program aims to strengthen community ties and provide additional support to educators and students.
Furthermore, the committee reviewed the state’s budget request, which includes a proposed $200 million increase to raise starting teacher salaries to $50,000. This is part of a broader investment strategy that has seen $1.6 billion allocated to education since the 2018-2019 fiscal year, with a focus on student success, teacher support, and safe school environments.
These discussions reflect a commitment to improving educational outcomes and addressing the pressing mental health needs of students in South Carolina. The committee's actions are expected to have a lasting impact on the state's educational landscape, fostering a more supportive and effective learning environment for all students.
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