08/09/2025
❗️Cell Phone Policy Update ❗️
As we prepare for the 2025-2026 school year, we want to inform you of an important update to Nash County Public Schools' (NCPS) student cell phone and personal electronic device board policy 4318. These changes go into effect on Monday, August 11, 2025 and reflect both recent updates to North Carolina law (House Bill 959) and the growing need for a focused, respectful, and safe learning environment.
Why the change?
On July 1, 2025, Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 959 into law, requiring school districts to limit the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time. While we have had an existing policy (Board Policy 4318) in place for several years, the updated 2025-2026 is more specific and structured. It addresses the expanded use of technology in schools and outlines clearly what is allowed and what is not allowed during the school day.
What's Changing Starting August 11, 2025?
Students will still be allowed to bring wireless communication devices to school. The policy defines "wireless communication devices" as any portable wireless device that has the capacity to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two or more parties, including, cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, electronic devices with internet capability, paging devices, two-way radios, gaming devices, smartwatches, and similar devices. The policy does not apply to district-issued and managed devices, which are governed by Policy 3225/4312/7320 Technology Responsible Use.
While students may still bring wireless communication devices to school, in accordance with HB 959, the policy prohibits the devices from being used, displayed, or turned on during instructional time, with certain limited exceptions.
While our previous policy allowed school administrators to authorize use for personal purposes in certain circumstances, the new law (HB 959) is more restrictive. As a result, the new policy:
For elementary and middle school, all devices must be powered off and stored out of sight as soon as students enter the building and remain that way for the entire school day (until dismissal).
For high school, all devices must be powered off and stored out of sight as soon as the first tardy bell rings and remain that way until dismissal.
Students may not use wireless communication devices during any part of the defined instructional day including hallway transitions, lunch, assemblies, and field trips.
The only exceptions to the general rule that wireless communication devices may not be used, displayed, or turned on during instructional time are: if authorized by a teacher for educational purposes, for use in the event of emergencies, as required by a student's IEP or Section 504 plan, or as required to manage a student's health care in accordance with a documented medical condition.
Parents/guardians must contact the main office if they need to reach a student during the school day, students should not receive texts or calls on personal devices.
Smartwatches may not be worn throughout the school day and should be treated as a cell phone or any other wireless communication device; smartwatches should be stored away and out of sight in accordance with BOE policy.
What Happens if a Device is Used?
Any device that is powered on, used, visible, or heard during the school day will be confiscated.
Absent compelling or unusual circumstances, confiscated devices will only be returned to a parent or guardian. Disciplinary actions will strictly follow the NCPS Student Code of Conduct.
What's the Difference from the Current Policy?
While our previous policy allowed school administrators to authorize use for personal purposes in certain circumstances, the new law (HB 959) is more restrictive. As a result the new policy:
- Expands the definition of prohibited devices to include smartwatches, tablets, laptops, smart glasses, and wireless earbuds.
- Requires devices to be powered off and put away all day during the defined "instructional time," not just during class.
- Clarifies that "instructional time" at the elementary and middle school levels begins upon arrival and ends at dismissal. "Instructional time at the high school level begins with the first tardy bell and ends at dismissal.
- Creates limited exceptions as required by HB 959. Use for personal purposes is no longer allowed.
We encourage all families to talk with their students about these new expectations. A copy of the full policy is available on the district website for your reference.
Thank you for your partnership in helping us maintain a positive and focused learning environment for all students. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school's administration.
