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Teachable Moments: SC ban on cell phones in the classroom

TRANSCRIPT:

For South Carolina Public Radio, I'm Dr. Rénard Harris from the College of Charleston. This is Teachable Moments, a minute of education for students and parents.

The National Education Association reports that over 90% of educators believe student mental health is a serious issue, with social media and personal device use being major contributors.

Starting January of 2025, the South Carolina Department of Education will implement a ban on cell phones in classrooms. This decision is driven by studies showing that excessive screen time negatively impacts learning and mental health, as well as feedback from teachers facing challenges keeping students focused. Research indicates that reducing screen time can benefit students’ mental well-being and academic performance.

My colleague, Kelley Cours Anderson, professor of marketing, says taking breaks from technology can help students regain focus and improve their overall educational experience.

For the College of Charleston, I’m Dr. Rénard Harris.

Rénard Harris is an Associate Professor of Management in the School of Business at the College of Charleston (2022-present). He teaches courses in Leadership and courses in Managing Diversity. His leadership course focuses on the dynamics of effective leadership, positive influence, and clear vision. His Managing Diversity course focuses on exploring culture, experiences, and identity as asset and resource of those less heard and less seen.