Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, public school students and charter In North Carolina, cell phones may not be turned on during instructional time, except in emergencies or with school permission.
HB 959 Various Educational Changes, in addition, it mandates that students be trained on social media and requires schools to implement certain internet safety and security measures if they have not already done so.
“When teachers don’t have to compete with cell phones for students’ attention, real learning happens,” said North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, signing the letter.
“This bipartisan bill provides students with a distraction-free learning environment so they can focus on their education, and offers them a seven-hour mental break from the constant pressures of phones and social media,” he noted.
What does the new law establish regarding the use of the internet and social media in schools?
They must adopt Internet security policies that:
- Limit access to content appropriate for the student’s age.
- Protect student safety when using email, chats, and other digital communications.
- Prohibit unauthorized access to school data systems (e.g., hacking).
- Prevent access to platforms that do not protect students’ personal information.
- Prohibit the use of social media unless authorized by a teacher for educational purposes.
When should these policies be implemented?
Before January 1, 2026.
Related: Bill would ban cellphones in North Carolina classrooms
Will there be classes on social media?
Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, the curriculum will include lessons on
- The negative effects of social media use on mental health.
- The spread of misinformation.
- How platforms manipulate behavior.
- Online safety, including detection of cyberbullying, predators, and human trafficking.
- How to report suspicious behavior on the Internet.
- Education in personal and interpersonal skills that promote safe and responsible behavior.
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What does the law say about cell phone use in class?
Will cell phones and other devices be allowed to be used?
No, unless:
- A teacher may authorize it for educational purposes or in case of emergency.
- Use is indicated in an individualized education plan (IEP or 504 plan).
- The student needs the device for documented medical reasons.
Who should set these rules?
Each public school unit must have a formal policy on the use of wireless devices during instructional time, and report it to the Department of Public Instruction before the September 1 of the year of entry into force.
School boards will have to adjust their policies on cell phones in classrooms.
Some school boards will have to modify the cell phone policies they have already adopted, which are often stricter than what the new law requires.
The policy approved by the Johnston County Board of Education, called Policy Code 4318: Use of Wireless Communication Devices, requires students to keep their phones off, out of sight, and put away during instructional time.
Teaching staff must also limit the use of their mobile devices, except in emergencies or when use has been approved for educational purposes.
For its part, Wake County Board of Education, mandated that elementary and secondary school students attending Wake County public schools must store their devices during school hours.
In high schools, cell phone use will be permitted in limited situations.
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