NC Bill Could Ban Cell Phone Usage In School
New legislation filed in Raleigh, Senate Bill 55, aims to ban students from using non-educational devices in North Carolina schools for the entire school day. The bill would restrict students from using personal wireless communication devices from the first to the last bell of the school day. Supporters of the bill, including author Sen. Jim Burgin, believe it will improve outcomes for districts and students by reducing distractions and increasing student engagement. While this would be the first state mandate restricting phones in North Carolina schools, several districts, such as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, have already implemented their own policies to limit phone usage. In South Carolina, a similar ban on phone usage went into effect statewide earlier this year, with positive impacts reported by school districts.
