Beginning in January 2025, cell phones and other mobile devices will be banned during the instructional day, which includes class time, class change and lunches.

Mobile devices include phones, smart watches and earbuds.

This ban is a state requirement.

As The Prowl reported in September, the South Carolina Department of Education enacted the ban “to create a phone-free school environment that fosters a positive learning experience free from electronic distractions.” This initiative is called Free to Focus.

Failure to adhere to the ban could result in a loss of state funding.

With January looming, Chapman teachers and administrators are preparing for implementation.

Principal Matt Davis said he has been meeting with other administrators in the area and in surrounding districts to discuss how to successfully implement the plan.

English teacher Alex Colson said she anticipates the ban being beneficial in the classroom setting and that she sees value in the whole-day ban as well.

“Maybe there will be fewer distractions at lunch or maybe a calmer environment, in general,” she said.

Colson said she knows there will be challenges but is hopeful that a school-wide effort will make a difference.

“I feel like there are going to be a lot of challenges at the forefront when we are getting used to the policy, but if everyone can just jump on board, I think it’ll get easier for us,” she said.

One challenge a device ban presents is how the school can help students with disabilities.

For example, students with diabetes may use their devices to track blood sugar.

Davis said this will be handled fairly.

“Obviously, we’re not going to take away phones for students who rely on their phones for their personal health,” he said.

Although the policies are changing, the consequences remain the same with the first violation resulting in a warning and subsequent violations resulting in harsher punishments including parent conferences and in-school suspensions.

Students such as junior Hawken Smith have expressed frustration and confusion with the ban.

“I think in class it’s reasonable, but I don’t understand the ban in hallways and lunch,” he said. “I feel like it won’t work.”