A North Carolina House committee has just approved House Bill 87 (HB 87), a measure that would require school districts to restrict student cellphone use during class time. If passed, the law would take effect in the 2025-2026 school year and require each district to develop its own policy.
Currently, about two-thirds of North Carolina school districts already enforce some form of cellphone restriction. Some schools require students to store phones in locked pouches all day, while others allow use only between classes, with phones stored in classroom bins.
A stricter proposal, Senate Bill 55 (SB 55), would go beyond HB 87 by banning all wireless communication devices in schools. The bill defines these devices as cellphones, tablets, laptops, pagers, two-way radios, and gaming devices.
Supporters argue that limiting phone access will reduce distractions and improve classroom engagement, while opponents warn that it could hinder communication in emergencies. Some tech advocates also worry the ban could limit learning opportunities.
The bill now advances to the Judiciary Committee for further review. If approved, it would mandate cellphone restrictions statewide starting in fall 2025.
