In a recent WRAL interview, a diverse group of North Carolina high‑school students spoke candidly about school safety, bullying, and cell‑phone policies. The conversation, held with teens from Green Hope, Garner Magnet, Enloe, Fuquay‑Varina, and Middle Creek High Schools, highlighted the gap between adult assumptions and the everyday experiences of students.
Cell‑phone restrictions: mixed reactions
Lawmakers and school leaders claim that limiting phone use during class helps reduce bullying. Some students agreed the rules offer structure. “It’s really nice because you just put it up at the start of each class period, but you can still use it at lunch or when you’re transitioning between classes,” said Aaditi Pandey, a junior at Green Hope High School.
Other voices were more cautious. “I think it’s working, but I wouldn’t say the policy is directly helping with bullying by any means,” senior Paige Lawson of Garner Magnet High School explained. Lawson noted that her younger brother, now in middle school, has no phone policy and rarely uses his phone during the school day, suggesting that the rules may simply reduce distractions rather than stop harassment.
What bullying looks like today
The students agreed that adults often misunderstand modern bullying. Lawson observed, “Bullying happens in so many different ways, especially with social media now. We’ve all sat through cyber‑bullying seminars, but it still happens a lot.” Paridhi Dhakhal, a junior at Enloe High School, added that many adults picture classic, overt teasing, while most bullying now occurs “below the surface” through subtle, online interactions.
Parental guidance in a digital world
When asked what parents can do, the panel emphasized communication and realistic expectations. “You can talk to their friends. People our age can tell what’s going on quicker because we share the same emotions,” said senior Sara Anderton of Fuquay‑Varina High School.
Amirah Williams, a senior at Middle Creek High School, urged parents to be realistic about teenage desires for acceptance. “Most 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds don’t want a big ‘come‑to‑earth’ moment. They want to fit in, they want to be cool,” she said.
Dhakhal highlighted the balance between protection and independence: “Protecting your kids only goes so far because at this age you’re going to explore a lot on your own. Allow them some freedom, but keep the conversation open about why they make certain choices.”
Looking ahead
The discussion underscores the need for schools, families, and policymakers to listen to students’ perspectives when crafting safety and technology policies. While phone restrictions may offer structure, the students suggest that true progress against bullying will require ongoing dialogue, education on digital etiquette, and parental involvement that respects teens’ growing autonomy.
As North Carolina continues to evaluate its school‑wide policies, the voices of the students themselves provide a valuable compass for shaping environments where learning and personal growth can thrive.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
