The Cumberland County Board of Education approved a new Student Use of Cell Phones and Personal Devices policy at its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12. The policy will take effect on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, and is designed to help students stay focused on learning while promoting responsible digital habits. It also supports a safe, orderly and engaging school environment in line with a new North Carolina law.
Under Policy 4318, students may not display, use, turn on or make visible personal devices (including cell phones, earbuds and smartwatches) during instructional time unless specifically authorized in advance. Devices must be turned off and stored out of sight, such as in a backpack or locker.
Key guidelines include:
Elementary schools: Devices may be brought to school but must remain off and put away for the entire school day. Use is allowed only when:
Authorized by an Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504 plan or health plan
Approved in advance for assistive, safety or translation needs
In an actual emergency and authorized by staff (for example, a family death or serious illness — not schedule changes)
Middle and high schools: Same exceptions as elementary schools. Additionally, students may generally use devices:
With prior teacher approval for instructional purposes
During non-instructional times, such as lunch periods and class transitions
School buses: Use is generally allowed before and after school. However, bus or school staff may restrict use if it creates safety concerns. Audio must be played with earbuds or headphones at a reasonable volume, and students must still be able to hear directions from staff.
If the policy is not followed, staff will first give a verbal warning to turn off and put away the device. If ignored or repeated, consequences outlined in the Student Code of Conduct may apply, including temporary confiscation. Repeated or disruptive behavior may result in a device being held until the end of the day or requiring a parent to retrieve it.
The policy also reminds families that students are responsible for keeping their devices secure, CCS is not liable for lost or stolen items, and school staff may search a device if there is reasonable suspicion of a violation of law, policy or school rules.
Families are encouraged to avoid calling or texting students during school hours and to contact the school office for urgent matters. Staff will share the needed information with students.
For more information, click here to read the Executive Summary of Policy 4318.