The Atkinson County School System is implementing a personal electronic device ban at all schools for the 2025-2026 school year. The school system released a statement on its Facebook page Tuesday afternoon.
The post states the following:
Atkinson County students in grades K–12 are required to keep personal electronic devices — such as phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and fitness trackers — locked and stored throughout the entire school day, from the first bell to the last bell.
It is highly recommended that all devices be left at home.
Device Storage Procedures by School Level:
- High School: Devices will be turned in and locked in a designated area during first block. Students will retrieve them at the end of the day.
- Middle School: Devices will be secured in a locked box in home room and returned at the end of the day.
- Elementary School (Grades K–5): Students are not allowed to bring personal electronic devices to school. All Devices should be left at home.
Why This Policy?
Our goal is to:
- Improve student attention and academic performance
- Encourage face-to-face interaction and reduce social isolation
- Minimize emotional stress linked to social media and digital distractions
Bus use reminder: Devices may be used before and after school while on the bus, but must be turned off, locked, and stored as soon as students step onto campus.
The school system added that this policy supports House Bill 340, which will mandate similar restrictions statewide for students in grades K–8 by January 1, 2026. Atkinson County is proactively implementing this policy for all students now.