Bill Summaries: S 485 STUDY CELL PHONE USE IN SCHOOL.

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  • Summary date: Apr 3 2023 - View Summary

    Requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the NC School Boards Association (Association), and the UNC Schools of Public Health and Education, to study cell phone policies in public elementary and secondary schools. Requires DPI to collect and analyze the following information from public school units: (1) whether the policy is implemented by the governing board of the public school unit or at the individual school level; (2) what the cell phone policy is, and specifically if the school uses any of the following policies: (i) complete ban on cell phone use or possession at school, (ii) storage of cell phones in a secure location during the instructional day, or (iii)  no cell phone restrictions; (3) the impact of the policy on learning; (4) the impact of the policy on cyberbullying; (5) the impact of the policy on school safety; and (6) a catchall, authorizing any other information DPI or consultant agencies deem relevant to the study. Requires DPI to report the results of the study to the specified NCGA committee and to include additional information about the schools studied, its recommendations regarding cell phone use, and estimated cost for implementing any recommended policies, if any.