North Carolina HB 959: Various Education Changes.

Bill Text

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025

SESSION LAW 2025-38
HOUSE BILL 959

*H959-v-5*
AN ACT TO PROMOTE INTERNET SAFETY, TO REQUIRE SOCIAL MEDIA LITERACY
INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS, TO REQUIRE REGULATION OF STUDENT USE OF
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES DURING INSTRUCTIONAL TIME, TO
ALLOW CERTAIN NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS TO REQUEST RESIDENCY LICENSES
FOR TEACHERS, AND TO ALLOW CERTAIN SCHOOLS TO APPLY FOR
REACCREDITATION BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION AND TRAINING
STANDARDS COMMISSION.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a) Part 3A of Article 8 of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is
amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 115C-102.10. Internet safety policy.
Local boards of education shall adopt policies for student access to the internet on devices or
internet services provided by the local school administrative unit. The policies shall do at least
the following:
(1) Limit access by students to only age-appropriate subject matter and materials.
(2) Protect the safety and security of students when accessing email, chat rooms,
and other forms of electronic communication.
(3) Prohibit unauthorized access by students to data or information maintained by
the local school administrative unit, including by "hacking" and other
unlawful online activities.
(4) Prevent access to websites, web applications, or software that do not protect
against the disclosure, use, or dissemination of a student's personal
information.
(5) Prohibit and prevent students from accessing social media platforms, except
when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes."
SECTION 1.(b) G.S. 115C-47 is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
"(70) To Adopt an Internet Safety Policy. – Local boards of education shall adopt
policies for internet safety in accordance with G.S. 115C-102.10."
SECTION 1.(c) This section is effective when it becomes law. Local boards of
education shall adopt the policies required by this section by January 1, 2026.
SECTION 2.(a) Part 1 of Article 8 of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is
amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 115C-81.26. Social media and mental health.
The standard course of study shall include instruction on social media and its effects on
health, including social, emotional, and physical effects. Instruction shall be provided once
during elementary school, once during middle school, and twice during high school. Instruction
on this topic shall include at least the following:
(1) Negative effects of social media on mental health, including addiction.
(2) The distribution of misinformation on social media.
(3) Methods of manipulating behavior using social media.

Page 2 Session Law 2025-38 House Bill 959
(4) The permanency of information shared online.
(5) How to maintain personal security.
(6) How to identify cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and human trafficking on
the internet.
(7) How to report suspicious behavior encountered on the internet.
(8) Personal and interpersonal skills or character education that enhances
individual level protective factors and mitigates or reduces risk-taking or
harmful behavior."
SECTION 2.(b) This section is effective when it becomes law and applies beginning
with the 2026-2027 school year.
SECTION 3.(a) Article 7B of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is amended by
adding a new Part to read:
"Part 8. Miscellaneous Requirements.
"§ 115C-76.100. Regulation of wireless communication devices.
(a) The following definitions apply in this section:
(1) Wireless communication device. – Any portable wireless device that has the
capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between
two or more parties, including the following:
a. Cellular telephones.
b. Tablet computers.
c. Laptop computers.
d. Paging devices.
e. Two-way radios.
f. Gaming devices.
(2) Wireless communication policy. – A policy governing the use of wireless
communication devices by students.
(b) The governing body of a public school unit shall establish a wireless communication
policy. At a minimum, except as permitted in subsection (c) of this section, the policy shall
prohibit students from using, displaying, or having a wireless communication device turned on
during instructional time.
(c) A wireless communication policy shall allow student use of a wireless communication
device during instructional time as follows:
(1) If authorized by a teacher for educational purposes or for use in the event of
an emergency. The governing body may establish parameters to be followed
by a teacher in granting authorizations.
(2) As required by the student's individualized education program or section 504
(29 U.S.C. § 794) plan.
(3) As required to manage a student's health care, in accordance with a
documented medical condition.
(d) The governing body shall establish the consequences for violations of the wireless
communication policy, which may include confiscation of the wireless communication device
and disciplinary measures under