Wake County, NC – On Tuesday, the Wake County School District enacted a policy limiting student cell phone usage.
This marks the district’s inaugural effort to address what officials describe as an impediment to education.
The unanimously approved policy will take effect in July.
The impact will vary among students based on their respective grade levels.
The new guidelines impose stricter measures on students in elementary and middle schools. Students are required to entirely set aside their phones.
As a result, they are prohibited from using their devices from the morning bell until the afternoon bell.
Limited exceptions may be allowed for health requirements or with approval from educators.
In the meantime, high school students are permitted to use their phones during breaks, at lunchtime, and when given the green light by a teacher.
Students who violate the regulations will face confiscation of their phones and potential disciplinary action.
Prior to the vote on Tuesday, the district conducted a survey among teachers regarding the policy. Over 2,000 educators participated in the survey, with nearly 90% expressing agreement or strong agreement on the necessity of turning off phones during teaching periods.
A significant majority, around 61%, are in favour of confiscating devices.
At this time, both chambers of the North Carolina legislature are reviewing proposals aimed at limiting phone usage in educational settings.
Wake School leaders indicated that adjustments to their policy might be necessary if those bills are enacted.
