Yesterday, Governor Josh Stein signed into law House Bill 959, a measure requiring school systems across North Carolina to adopt policies restricting student cell phone use during instructional time.
The new law mandates that students may not use, display, or have wireless communication devices turned on during classroom instruction, except in specific, permitted situations outlined by individual school policies.
The legislation was developed in part through recommendations from the Governor’s Advisory Council for Student Safety and Wellbeing, chaired by Deputy Secretary William Lassiter of the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
Supporters of the law say it aims to reduce distractions and improve focus in the classroom, while still allowing flexibility for necessary or emergency use.
