North Carolina lawmakers took a step toward reducing distractions in K-12 classrooms by advancing House Bill 87 on Tuesday. The measure, which passed the chamber 114-3, aims to ban smartphone use during instructional times.
Rep. Neal Jackson, R-Moore, a primary sponsor of the bill, stressed the importance of local decision-making in its implementation.
“How this works out is up to the schools,” Jackson said. “We’re not saying there is one-size-fits-all. Local control is the best control.”
The bill directs “governing bodies of public school units” to “adopt a cell phone-free education policy to eliminate or severely restrict student access to cell phones during instructional time.” It does not apply to remote charters or academies. Seventy-seven school districts already have policies on cell-phone use in classrooms, according to the bill summary.
Supporters argue that removing this prevalent distraction will create a safer and more productive learning environment.
“When we polled schools already using cell-phone-free policies, they reported significant positive changes for both students and teachers,” said Rep. Brian Biggs, R-Randolph, another co-sponsor.
Biggs shared a personal anecdote about his daughter, an organic chemistry student, who experienced anxiety during on-the-spot problem-solving at the whiteboard. Stressing the pressures students already face, he argued, “Phones and bullying should not add to that anxiety in the classroom. This policy will be a safety improvement and a win for our kids.”
During floor debate, Rep. Tricia Cotham, R-Mecklenburg, introduced an amendment that was later OK’ed allowing school boards to decide if teachers can use cell phones for instructional purposes. The amendment also protects students with medical needs by ensuring their access to devices tied to Individualized Education Programs or 504 plans.
“Students with medical needs, like those managing Type 1 diabetes with blood glucose monitors connected to their phones, must not be left out,” Cotham said. “This amendment makes sure we’re in alignment with federal law and that these children are supported.”
The bill’s scope is carefully focused on traditional public and public charter schools, intentionally excluding private schools and remote learning academies. An effort to broaden its reach to private institutions was rejected during deliberations.
Additionally, Jackson clarified that the bill exclusively targets cell phones and does not extend to other electronic devices like tablets or smartwatches.
“We want school boards to have the flexibility to adapt policies to fit their needs,” Jackson said. “Adding more restrictions, like banning all electronic devices, places teachers in uncomfortable positions that we aimed to avoid.”
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