Student Cell Phone and Personal Communication Device Policy
Details:
In January 2026, the North Carolina General Assembly's House Bill 959 went into effect, regulating the use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices during school instructional time in all grades, K-12. The bill, which was signed into law, requires North Carolina’s public school districts to establish a policy that “...shall prohibit students from using, displaying or having a wireless communication device turned on during instructional time.”
What does this mean for CHCCS students?
- At high school, wireless communication devices (including cell phones, bluetooth-enabled ear buds/headphones and smartwatches) will not be used, displayed or turned on during the instructional day. This will include class transition times. However, high school students will still be permitted to use their devices during lunch.
- At middle school, there will be no major changes compared to last year. Students have already adjusted to “away for the day” expectations. “Away for the day” means students may bring their devices to school, but devices will remain in middle school lockers throughout the instructional day.
- At elementary school, any student who has a device will be expected to keep it “away for the day” as well.
- Smartwatches are included among the personal communication devices (such as cell phones and bluetooth-enabled earbuds/headphones) that may not be used, displayed or turned on during the instructional day. This supports our belief that the school day should be a time for focused learning, engagement, personal growth, and free from unnecessary distractions. It also ensures CHCCS will be in compliance with the North Carolina state law. Some exceptions apply.
- At all grade levels, smart watches will not be worn or displayed during instructional time. High school students will still be able to use their devices during lunch.
- Exceptions exist for emergencies, or as required by students with medical needs and/or a student’s individual education plan.
The law was most recently discussed at the CHCCS Board of Education’s July 10, 2025 and August 14, 2025 meetings, where the Board agreed that it would be better to implement the changes at the beginning of the school year (August 2025), instead of at the midway point (January 2026). CHCCS will monitor the impact of the new requirements and make tweaks as needed.
- Full Updated Policy 4318 Use of Wireless Communication Devices
- Recording (skip to the 1:54:36 timestamp): August 14 Board of Education discussion regarding wireless communication device policy.
- Feedback from implementation of last year’s cell phone rules.
Please expect repeated communication from your school.
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