North Dakota schools keep students’ personal devices locked during instruction

Each school district or applicable governing body must adopt and carry out a policy requiring students to keep personal communication devices silenced or turned off, locked away, and out of reach. The rule covers public schools serving prekindergarten through high school, including area career and technology centers. It excludes virtual schools and instruction, the state distance education center, and home schooling. The policy must include enforcement rules for students and school employees. A school may not prohibit possession or use when a licensed medical provider determines it is needed for a student's health or well-being, or when an education or other legally required plan requires it. During school-related activities outside instructional time, schools may limit or allow student access. Instructional time runs from the start of the school day until dismissal while students are on school grounds. It includes recess, lunch, and time between classes, but excludes off-site virtual learning and travel to off-site learning.

Each school district must collect data each year to measure how its policy affects students. The duty applies to each school district. The data must address student behavior, mental health, disciplinary incidents, attendance, and academic performance. By July 1, 2026, the superintendent of public instruction must establish a shared system for districts to report the required data.

Each district’s policy must let a student contact a parent or authorized caregiver during the school day using a school phone. This applies to students enrolled in covered public schools. The student may use the phone if needed. The school chooses how and where to make it available. The contact option applies during the school day.