Nc Senate Approves Cell Phone Ban for K-12 Public School Students!

The North Carolina Senate passed a bipartisan bill 41-1 Tuesday requiring public schools to restrict student use of “wireless communication devices” during instructional time.

The Senate approved SB 55, which would require local education agencies to implement policies that ban students from using, displaying, or having their phones turned on during class.

The bill defines a wireless communication device as “any portable wireless device that can provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two or more parties,” including cellular telephones, tablet computers, laptop computers, paging devices, two-way radios, and gaming devices.

Supporters of the bill say limiting cell phone use reduces distractions, prevents cheating, and curbs bullying.

Sen. Joyce Waddell (D-Mecklenburg), proposed an amendment to the bill that would’ve allowed students to use their devices during non-instructional time, but the amendment was tabled.

Waddell called for schools to be given more flexibility in implementing the policy, arguing that “one size does not fit all,” pointing to the diverse needs of school districts across the state.

“Every public school unit in North Carolina serves a different community with different needs. What works in one district does not work in another,” she said.

Waddell also called for additional resources and time for schools to develop and implement the policies, arguing that the Oct. 1 deadline specified in the bill for schools to submit their policies to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is insufficient.

A similar amendment by Sen. Lisa Grafstein (D-Wake) which would allow devices to remain powered on but inaccessible during instructional time, was also tabled.  

This bill is similar to House Bill 87, which passed a House committee last week. 

While both bills aim to limit student cell phone use in the classroom, Senate Bill 55 would go further by requiring a more stringent ban on all wireless communication devices, including tablets and laptops, during instructional time. 

The bill now moves to the House for a vote. If passed by the House, the bill would require school districts to have new policies in place by the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.

The bill’s primary sponsors are GOP Senators Michael Lee (New Hanover), Jim Burgin (Harnett, Lee, Sampson) and Lisa Barnes (Franklin, Nash, Vance), but several members of both parties have also signed onto the bill as co-sponsors.

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