Students and staff react to the cell phone ban one week in.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A new state policy aimed at keeping students off their cell phones during the school day is already making waves in classrooms across South Carolina.
The cell phone ban, which took effect after winter break, mandates that students keep their phones powered off and put away from the tardy bell to dismissal. The policy aims to reduce distractions, curb online bullying, and encourage face-to-face interactions among students.
Initially, some students were skeptical.
“I was first a little disappointed,” said Becca Ashley, a freshman at Westwood High School.
But one week into the policy, Becca and her classmates have noticed positive changes.
“People are actually getting to socialize with each other and they aren’t just going on TikTok or Instagram looking at the new trends,” the students said. “People are actually talking, getting to know more people, and walking around.”
The policy has also made an impression on teachers like Savannah Lewter, …