News Summary
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is gathering parental input on student cell phone use policies through a survey. This comes after the introduction of House Bill 340, which mandates clear regulations for personal device use in schools. The initiative aims to enhance learning environments by reducing distractions. Additionally, an investigation is ongoing regarding a recent student altercation at Islands High School, highlighting rising safety concerns among students. The district encourages parents to participate in the survey to voice their opinions regarding these important issues.
Savannah – The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) is actively seeking parental feedback on student cell phone policies following the introduction of House Bill 340 (HB 340). An email was sent to parents on September 12, 2025, encouraging their participation in a survey aimed at refining policies related to student use of personal electronic devices such as cell phones.
HB 340 mandates school districts to implement clear regulations concerning the use and storage of personal devices during school hours. The primary intention of this legislation is to foster safe and productive learning environments by mitigating distractions and disruptions caused by cell phone usage. SCCPSS has stated its goal of achieving “focused, device-free learning from bell to bell,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining a conducive educational atmosphere.
The survey sent to parents includes questions aimed at gauging their understanding of existing cell phone rules, their concerns regarding device interaction, and their comfort levels with potentially restricting cellphone communication with their children while school is in session. Parents are encouraged to review their emails and complete the survey by September 21, 2025, to ensure their voices are heard in the policy-making process.
In a related incident, the district’s Board of Public Education Police Department (BOEPD) is currently investigating a physical altercation that involved four female students at Islands High School. The incident, which was recorded and shared on social media, involved hair pulling and physical confrontations. While SCCPSS has confirmed that the altercation did take place, specific details regarding the timing and circumstances surrounding the event have not been disclosed, as the investigation is ongoing and student privacy laws are in effect.
Students involved in the incident are expected to be subjected to disciplinary measures in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The district has expressed that the behavior depicted in the video contradicts the values it promotes, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the safety of both students and staff members.
Principal Jimmie Cave has reached out to families of Islands High, addressing the incident directly and reaffirming the school’s dedication to maintaining safety and upholding community values among its students. This incident comes amid a concerning trend at Islands High School, where reported student incidents have increased from 65 in 2023 to 135 in 2024, despite a decline in overall student enrollment.
In 2023, most student incidents resulted in out-of-school suspensions (OSS), whereas 2024 has seen a shift, with a decrease in OSS and an increase in in-school suspensions (ISS). As of now, there has been no response from SCCPSS regarding inquiries about disciplinary data, specific school practices, or details on the new cell phone use policy amidst the ongoing investigations.
Currently, the school’s policies allow for cell phone use before and after school as well as during lunch periods, although students are encouraged to limit their devices during class transitions. With concerns regarding student safety and classroom engagement on the rise, the outcomes of both the parental survey and the investigations into recent student incidents are being closely monitored by the district.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: SCCPSS Seeks Parental Feedback on Cell Phone Policies
- Google Search: Cell Phone Policies in Schools
- WSAV: Statewide Cell Phone Ban Moves Forward
- Wikipedia: School Policy on Cell Phones
- Savannah Now: Incident at Islands High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Policy
- New York Post: Savannah Guthrie’s Daughter’s Phone Usage Contract
- Google News: Savannah Chatham Public School System
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
