This week, North Carolina House and Senate Committees heard two different bills that would restrict the use of cell phones and other mobile devices during instructional time at school. SB 55—Student Use of Wireless Communication Devices, presented by Senators Jim Burgin (R-Harnett) and Michael Lee (R-New Hanover); and HB 87—Cell Phone-Free Education, presented by Representative Neal Jackson (R-Moore), passed the first hurdle toward becoming law when they were favorably reported with bi-partisan support from the committees in which they were heard. Both bills would require local public school boards to adopt policies to prohibit or significantly restrict student use of cell phones during instructional time.
Proponents of the legislation argued that students are increasingly distracted and addicted to their cell phones and that the use of cell phones during school significantly hampers student attention and education.
A few legislators expressed concerned regarding child safety in the event of a crisis or dangerous situation at a school and asked if students in such circumstances should be able to contact their parents. In the NC House hearing on Tuesday, Rep. David Willis (R-Union) mentioned that many teachers and school board officials have expressed concerns with students using mobile devices during times of panic or crisis when those students need to be following the directions of their teachers and/or school officials. At a Senate committee on Wednesday, Senator Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake) spoke of making sure that meaningful guardrails were place around technology to keep students safe in school.
It was mentioned that over 70 school districts around North Carolina already have mobile device policies to help keep students focused in the classroom, restrict cheating, and reduce bullying through social media.
SB 55 passed the Senate Education/Higher Education Committee on Wednesday, and the Senate Rules Committee on Thursday. It now proceeds to the full Senate for consideration. HB 87 passed the House Education K-12 Committee on Tuesday and has been referred to the House Judiciary 3 and House Rules committees.
These bills will continue through the legislative process in the days and weeks ahead, and NC Family will keep you updated regarding ongoing developments.