North Carolina Enacts Cellphone Ban in Classrooms

North Carolina, August 18, 2025

News Summary

A new law in North Carolina bans cellphone use in classrooms, aiming to boost student focus. Effective July 1, the law allows exceptions for educational purposes and medical needs. Schools are expected to enforce the ban by August, coinciding with the new academic year. Concerns from parents regarding emergency communication have been noted. The law also mandates a social media literacy curriculum by 2026-27, addressing the mental health impacts of smartphone use.

RALEIGH, North Carolina – A new law in North Carolina will prohibit students from using cellphones in classrooms, aiming to enhance focus during instructional time. Effective July 1, the law, known as House Bill 959, requires schools to update their electronic device policies and enforce the ban by the time students return in August.

Under the new regulations, exceptions will be made for educational purposes as permitted by teachers. Additionally, students who require cellphone access for medical monitoring will be exempt from the ban. In cases where parents need to communicate with their children during school hours, they are advised to contact their child’s school office.

Schools across Buncombe, Henderson, and Jackson counties noted that the law aligns with their existing policies, which already discourage cellphone use during class time. The introduction of this law enhances the enforcement of these policies, as indicated by the superintendents in these counties. However, some concerns have been raised by parents regarding the need for emergency communication with their children.

The law also includes provisions for implementing a social media literacy curriculum by the 2026-27 school year. This curriculum will focus on educating students about the impacts of social media on mental health and overall well-being, acknowledging the potential negative effects of excessive smartphone use.

Governor Josh Stein supports the legislation, highlighting the distraction that cellphones can pose to student learning. Researchers have indicated that smartphone addiction can adversely affect brain function and lead to increased anxiety and depression among young people. Treatment programs that include cessation of phone use have reported positive outcomes, encouraging young individuals to engage in alternative activities that foster mental well-being.

The cellphone ban is slated to coincide with the start of the 2026 academic year, reinforcing the necessity for student attention during class and promoting an environment that enhances real learning experiences. Concerns over the enforcement of this law have been raised by some parents, leading to inquiries with education associations about practical implementation measures.

In related news, North Carolina universities have faced disruptions due to severe weather conditions following Hurricane Helene, resulting in class delays and closures. Significant damage and power outages were reported at Appalachian State University, Western Carolina University, and UNC Asheville, demonstrating the challenges faced by educational institutions beyond the new cellphone policy.

Key Features of the North Carolina Cellphone Law

• Effective Date: July 1
• Implementation Deadline: By August for the start of the school year
• Exceptions: Educational purposes and medical needs
• Social Media Curriculum: Required by the 2026-27 school year
• Governor’s Support: Emphasis on reducing distractions to learning

Background Information on Smartphone Use

Research points to smartphone addiction as a growing issue among students, impacting their academic performance and mental health. Studies show a correlation between excessive smartphone use and various negative outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral changes. This new law intends to address these issues by minimizing distractions and fostering a focused learning environment.

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Additional Resources

• WLOS: North Carolina Schools Electronic Device Policy
• WCCB Charlotte: NC Gov Signs Bill to Ban Cellphones in Classrooms
• CBS News: Smartphone Addiction Leading to Brain Rot
• Wikipedia: Cell Phone Use and Health
• Google Search: North Carolina schools cellphone ban

Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER

The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.