Tougher student cellphone rules approved for Wake schools. See what will change.
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Wake County will require students to turn off phones during instructional time.
- Board gave initial approval; final vote expected in December 2025 to comply.
- Policy exempts IEP/504 uses, allows staff-authorized calls, restricts smart wearables.
Wake County is tightening its ban on cellphones in class to comply with a new state law.
The Wake County school board unanimously gave final approval Tuesday, Dec. 2, to an updated policy that says students must turn off their phones in class, not just keep them silenced as is currently allowed. Wake is making the changes to comply with a new state law that requires students to keep their phones off during instructional time.
The phone limits are meant to try to reduce distractions from learning in class.
“I am looking forward to seeing what our student achievement data will look like in the coming years as we start to change our relationship with technology,” school board member Wing Ng said at the Nov. 18 meeting when the updates received initial approval.
Phones off and not just silenced
Wake approved its first districtwide phone policy in June.
Under the policy, elementary and middle school students are required to put their phones away during instructional time between morning and afternoon bells. High schools can let students use their phones during non-instructional time, such as in the hallway during class changes and during lunch.
Violation of the policy can lead to phones being confiscated. If the violations are repeated, it can lead to disciplinary action against the student.
But Wake had only required phones to be silenced and put away in class. The legislation passed by state lawmakers gave schools until January to make changes such as requiring phones to be turned off.
Wake is making other changes suggested by schools trying to enforce the new phone ban. Tuesday’s revisions clarify that:
- Students can use their personal laptops in class for approved instructional purposes, not just district-issued devices.
- Smart watches and smart glasses worn in class must have their wireless capability turned off.
When can phones be used in class
The updated policy keeps the exemptions that allow when phones can be used in class:
- Phones can be used during school hours if they’re authorized or required in the individualized education program or Section 504 plan of a student with disabilities. Examples include use for translation or assistive communication.
- School staff may authorize brief use of a device if there is a reasonable and legitimate need to communicate with someone outside the school during the instructional day.
- No permission is required to call 911 emergency services when appropriate.
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This story was originally published November 19, 2025 at 10:08 AM.
