The State Board of Education in South Carolina passed a public school cellphone ban on Tuesday.
The policy states students have to keep phones and other communication devices off and in their backpacks or lockers during the school day.
Schools can create their own stricter rules for cellphones but must at least adhere to the state policy or risk losing funding.
“Research and feedback show that the widespread use of smartphones in schools has created serious academic, mental health, and discipline challenges,” said State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver. “With this policy, South Carolina students will be free to focus on their academic future and building life-long friendships in a safe environment, while South Carolina educators are free to focus on teaching.”
The policy will not officially be enacted statewide until January, but schools will be finalizing their rules this fall.
The state also launched a “Free to Focus SC” after the vote passed.
The initiative is described as a “as a one-stop shop for educators, parents, and students across South Carolina as they begin their journey towards a school environment without constant digital distractions.”
Banning cellphones has become a popular trend across the country despite some concerns about safety and parents being able to reach their kids during an emergency.