Senate committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes.
Moves language proposed in GS115C-47(70) that required local boards of education to adopt polices on internet safety into new GS 115C-102.10. Now requires local boards of education to adopt polices for student access to the internet on devices or internet services provided by the local school administrative unit (was, for student access to the internet provided by the local school administrative unit). Makes clarifying and technical changes to the listed minimum requirements for those policies and also amends the provision related to the use of TikTok to now prohibit the use of the TikTok application and to prohibit employees of local boards of education from using TikTok for any job-related duties, including classroom instruction or communications or promotions of school clubs, extra-curricular activities, or athletics. Makes conforming changes to GS 115C-47 by requiring local boards of education to adopt policies for internet safety according to new GS 115C-102.10.
Amends proposed GS 115C-81.26 to require that the standard course of study include (was, required local boards of education to provide) instruction on social media and its effects on health. No longer specifies that such instruction may be included as part of the mental and the emotional health instruction provided under GS 115C-81.25. Changes the effective date of the statute so that it now applies beginning with the 2026-27 school year instead of the 2025-26 school year.
Adds new GS 115C-76.100 (regulation of wireless communication devices) requiring governing bodies of public school units to establish a wireless communications policy prohibiting students from using, displaying, or having a wireless communication device turned on during instructional time, subject to certain exceptions. Permits student use of a wireless communication device during instructional time if authorized by the teacher for educational purposes or in the event of an emergency; as required by the student’s Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Plan; or as required to manage a student’s health care, in accordance with a documented medical condition. Authorizes confiscation of the wireless device and disciplinary measures for violations of the wireless communications policy. Requires schools to: (1) send the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) by September 1st, a copy of their policy and (2) to provide DPI with a copy of the policy any time it is changed. Requires DPI to report the number of public school units in compliance with the act and the names of the those not in compliance to the named NCGA committee by October 1st of each year. Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year. 
Makes conforming changes to the act’s titles.

Statutes affected:
Filed: 115C-47
Edition 1: 115C-47
Edition 2: 115C-47
Edition 3: 115C-47