In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Adriana Harrington sits down with South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver to discuss the state’s efforts to create distraction-free classrooms. In 2024, South Carolina became one of the first states in the nation to include a cell phone provision in its budget, requiring districts to prohibit the use of personal communication devices—like phones, smartwatches, tablets and gaming devices—during the school day. 

Superintendent Weaver shares the reasoning behind this bold step, the early impact on students and educators and the challenges and successes schools have experienced in the rollout. From improving focus and academic performance to addressing student well-being, South Carolina’s policy is sparking national conversations about the role of technology in learning. 

Listeners will gain practical insights into how schools are adapting, how families are responding and what may be next as policymakers consider making this approach permanent. The episode highlights why limiting digital distractions isn’t just a discipline issue but a key part of supporting student success and preparing schools for the future. 

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