RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Wake County Public School System is rolling out its updated cellphone policy for students after the school board approved the changes on Tuesday night.
The revised policy ensures compliance with a new state law, House Bill 959, which requires all school boards to enforce specific cell phone restrictions by January 1.
The new law, passed by state lawmakers over the summer, requires school boards to adopt policies restricting cellphone and communication device use, enforce consequences for violations, and implement social media restrictions if not already in place.
In June, the school board approved a standalone cell phone policy that significantly restricted their use after months of studies, surveys, and debates.
The policy requires students to silence and store their phones in backpacks or lockers during designated times. Elementary and middle school students must keep their phones off from the morning bell to the afternoon bell, while high school students must do the same during instructional periods.
Violations may result in phone confiscation, either for the remainder of the class or the entire day for repeated or disruptive offenses. However, school staff can authorize the use of digital devices when necessary, and students are allowed to call 911 without prior approval.
Similarly, earlier this year, Johnston County Schools also implemented a policy restricting cell phone use for both students and teachers during specific times.
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