North Carolina’s New School Cell Phone and Social Media Law: What Parents Need to Know

North Carolina has enacted a new statewide education law (HB 959)that significantly changes how students use cell phones and access social media during the school day. While individual school districts will still control many details, this law establishes mandatory minimum requirements that all public schools must follow.

As an education attorney, I am often asked how these types of laws affect students’ rights, parental expectations, and school obligations. Below is a plain-language overview of what this law does and what it means for families.

Cell Phones Are Now Restricted During Instructional Time

Under the new law, every public school district in North Carolina must adopt a policy that prohibits students from using or displaying cell phones or other wireless communication devices during instructional time. This includes phones that are powered on, even if they are not actively being used.

Importantly, this is not a total ban in all circumstances. Schools must allow exceptions when:

• A teacher authorizes device use for an educational purpose;

• A student requires access to a device for medical reasons, including those documented in an IEP or 504 Plan; or

• An emergency situation exists.

Each district must also clearly define disciplinary consequences for violations, which may include confiscation or other school-based discipline. District policies must be formally adopted and submitted to the state by January 1, 2026.

School Districts Must Block Social Media on School Networks

The law also addresses student access to social media during the school day. School districts are now required to adopt internet safety policies that block access to social media platforms on school-provided devices and school networks, unless a teacher specifically authorizes access for instructional purposes.

These requirements apply when students are using:

• School-issued laptops, tablets, or other devices; and

• School Wi-Fi networks.

The goal is to reduce distractions, protect student data, and limit exposure to harmful or inappropriate online content while students are at school.

Social Media Literacy Is Now Required Instruction

In addition to restrictions, the law mandates instruction on social media literacy as part of the standard course of study. Students will receive age-appropriate instruction:

• At least once in elementary school;

• Once in middle school; and

• Twice in high school.

This instruction must address topics such as the mental and emotional effects of social media, addictive design features, misinformation, and online manipulation. In other words, the law does not simply limit access, it also requires schools to teach students how to navigate digital spaces responsibly.

What This Means for Parents

For parents, this law will likely result in:

• Stricter school rules around phones during the day;

• Less access to social media while students are on campus; and

• More consistency across districts, even though local policies may vary in enforcement.

If your child has a disability or medical need that requires access to a device, those protections remain in place, but documentation matters. Parents should ensure that necessary accommodations are clearly reflected in an IEP or 504 Plan.

Final Thoughts

This law reflects a growing recognition that constant phone and social media access can interfere with learning and student well-being. At the same time, it places new compliance obligations on school districts and raises important questions about discipline, accommodations, and implementation.

If you have concerns about how your child’s school is enforcing these rules, or whether your child’s rights are being respected, contact the Law Office of Neubia L. Harris, PLLC.