House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.
Amends GS 115C-47(70) requiring the local boards of education policies to be on student access to the internet provided by the local school administrative unit (was, provided by the school district). Amends the requirements for those policies to require prohibiting access by students to data or information maintained by the local school administrative unit (was, just prohibit access by students to data or information in general); also makes organizational and clarifying changes.
Bill Summaries: H959 (2025-2026 Session)
Tracking:
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Bill H 959 (2025-2026)Summary date: May 6 2025 - View summary
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Bill H 959 (2025-2026)Summary date: Apr 11 2025 - View summary
Amends GS 115C-47 to require local boards of education to adopt policies for student access to internet provided by the school district. Policies must:
- Limit access by students to only age-appropriate subject matter and materials.
- Protect the safety and security of students when accessing email, chat rooms, and other forms of electronic communication.
- Prohibit access by students to data or information by "hacking" and other unlawful online activities.
- Prevent access to websites, web applications, or software that does not protect against the disclosure, use, or dissemination of a student's personal information.
- Prohibit and prevent students from accessing social media platforms through the use of internet access provided by the local school administrative unit, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes.
- Prohibit the use of the TikTok platform or any successor platform on devices owned or provided by the local school administrative unit, through internet access provided by the unit, or as a platform to communicate or promote any unit or school sponsored club, extracurricular organization, or athletic team.
Creates new GS 115C-81.26 to require each local board of education to provide instruction—once in elementary school, once in middle school, and twice during high school—on social media and its effects on health, including social, emotional, and physical health. Enumerates specific content that must be included in the instruction.
Applies to the 2025-2026 school year.