Student Life

Catamount Students and Staff Speak Out About WCPSS Cell Phone Policy

Students cell phones

Taylar Lee, Staff Reporter
May 15, 2014

Wake County Public School System’s Student Handbook states in section I-6 “Except as permitted by this policy, no student shall use, display, transmit or have in the on position on school property any wireless communication device or personal entertainment device, including but not necessarily limited to, cell phones, pagers, two-way radios, CD/ MP3 players, and electronic games, or any laser pointer or similar devices until after the conclusion of the instructional day.” Every school in the Wake County school district is required to abide by the cell phone policy rule. The students and staff have to obey by the rule, but whether or not everyone truly agrees with the rule is where conflict comes into play. At Panther Creek High School, the rule of no cell phones has always been enforced. All teachers and staff go out of their way daily to make sure students put their cellular devices away. Teachers have even started to use drastic measures, such as making students put their cell phone in a bucket when they walk in to class. The staff has to constantly remind students to put up there cell phone during lunch, during class, and in between class changes to not use their phones. The cell phone rule seems to be an ongoing battle with the students and the staff due to differing opinions on why they should not have cell phones out during school hours. PCNN was able to talk to both students and staff about their opinions on the county-wide cell phone policy. During the interview process, I noticed that both students and staff seem to have different views on cell phone usage during school. Ms. Pedersen, English teacher at Panther Creek, explains her opinion, saying, “Cell phones are a distraction in class at times; students are constantly on their cellphones while I am talking or teaching a lesson, and I have to remind them daily to put them away.” Taylor Conner, senior at Panther Creek, said, “While a teacher is teaching or talking, we should have the respect and not use or pull out our phones, but when the teachers are not instructing, we should have the freedom the use our cell phones.” Both Mrs. Pedersen and Conner agree that while a teacher is instructing, there should be no use for cell phones. Some students and staff seem to agree and some do not. Senior Marcus Hale says, “As long as I am doing my work and not bothering anyone, I should be able to use my cell phone as I need.” Essence Lee disagreed, saying, “I feel that people should only use their phones for emergencies and if they need to get in contact with their parents.” PCNN has come to understand that everyone will always agree and disagree with the cell phone policy in Wake County. Teachers and staff will always be on patrol in the halls to tell students to put the cell phones away, while students will continue to attempt to use their electronic devices. Is this a rule that will always be an ongoing battle? I wonder if the school system will strengthen the policy, or will they start giving out more lunch detention for cell phone use? Will teachers have to take up cell phones at the beginning of every class period like some already do, or will Wake County have to expect students to use cell phone regardless?

Do you believe that the cell phone policy in Wake County should be stricter?