North Carolina school cell phone ban on the cusp of becoming law
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North Carolina lawmakers passed with bipartisan support Wednesday legislation that will require public school districts statewide to set policies that ban the use of cell phones during instructional time. The legislation now goes to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein.
Why it matters: Should Stein sign the proposal into law, as he's expected to, North Carolina would join just over 10 states that have banned or restricted cell phone use in schools, as concerns over the effect smartphones have on academics and mental health have mounted.
- "Over the past 15 years, we've seen a persistent and troubling decline in student mental health, and we owe it to our children to respond with the clarity and urgency this moment demands," Democratic state Sen. Sydney Batch said in a statement earlier this month upon the release of the first report released by Stein's Student Safety and Well-Being advisory council, which recommended that cell phones be completely banned in schools.
- The bans have been controversial, however, as some have argued cell phones are a helpful learning tool and an important way for parents to get in touch with their children, Axios' Jennifer A. Kingson reported last year.
Driving the news: With just one day left until lawmakers recess from the bulk of their legislative work this year, the state's Republican-led House and Senate struck a last-minute compromise this week on what to include in the measure.
Details: The legislation would also set restrictions for social media use on school internet or devices and teach social media literacy, including about how misinformation spreads on social media, and how it affects mental health or leads to addiction.
- In a nod to those with concerns about phone restrictions, the bill provides exceptions for the use of phones for instruction or in case of emergency. It also does not ban TikTok in schools, as a previous version of the legislation did, though Wake County Schools already banned TikTok, per The News & Observer.
Zoom in: A group of parents in Wake County schools pushed last year for a district-wide ban in the state's largest school district. But so far, Wake County lets each school set its own policy on phones.
What's next: The legislation now awaits Stein's signature, as do several bills lawmakers have sent to the governor's desk in recent days.
- He has previously called for school cell phone restrictions.