Cellphone News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

Durham school leaders consider revisions to cellphone policy

Durham Public Schools is the latest district in the area to weigh revisions to its cellphone policy to align with a new state law.

Wake school board updating cellphone, devices policy in light of confusion, state law

The school board is also considering amending the policy to comply with a new state law and to ensure students can still bring personal laptops to school.

WRAL's 5 On Your Side helps a woman in a phone bill battle, her advice that could save you the headache

One local woman thought she canceled her husband's phone plan but kept getting bills for almost two years. WRAL's 5 On Your Side asks Verizon why.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

School phone ban creates surge in library visits

District leaders with Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky are calling it a culture shift. Less than a month into the district's first school year with a new cellphone ban, students are checking out library books at a record rate.

Wake County students, staff adjust to new districtwide cellphone policy

The Wake County Public School System has implemented a new policy requiring students to keep their phones away during class. Green Hope High School is among the schools using designated caddies for device storage.

Unplugged learning 📱🚫 New Wake County policy requires students ditch phones in class

The Wake County Public School System has implemented a new policy requiring students to keep their phones away during class. Green Hope High School is among the schools using designated caddies for device storage.

North Carolina school districts work to adjust cellphone rules and statewide ban

NC school districts race to update guidelines for cellphones in the classroom. WRAL Investigates which school systems still have big changes to make.

New year, new cellphone policies: How NC schools are restricting phones, watches and other devices

More North Carolina public school students are subject to cellphone bans and restrictions. Some are facing the rules for the first time.

Emily Walkenhorst and Destinee Patterson, WRAL reporters

Before you switch phone carriers, watch this

Several new surveys find Verizon is no longer the top-rated cell carrier. But if you are thinking of switching, we have a caution before you pull the plug

Wake superintendent talks new cellphone policy on first day of school

Dr. Robert Taylor, superintendent for Wake schools, talks about a new district-wide cellphone policy and his plans for a successful new school year.

How Apple's iOS 26 and Google's Android 16 Will Change Our Phones

For nearly two decades, smartphones have all worked pretty much the same, whether you bought an Apple iPhone or a smartphone running Google's Android system: You have a grid of colorful apps that you tap on. But this year, Apple and Google are finally taking separate paths.

Brian X. Chen, New York Times

Gen Z's digital detox: Younger generation turning back to flip phones to avoid too much screentime

It's flip phone summer, according to Gen Z. Be honest, is your cell phone in your hand right now or in arm's reach? It's how most of us live our lives but the younger generation is taking a step back in technological time for a clever digital detox.

County level emergency alerts working to cut through noise

Recent severe storms have underscored the importance of emergency alert systems in North Carolina, with counties like Orange, Durham and Chatham issuing numerous life-saving notifications.

Stay alert: County emergency alert systems cut through notification noise during recent storms

Recent severe storms have underscored the importance of emergency alert systems in North Carolina, with counties like Orange, Durham and Chatham issuing numerous life-saving notifications.

New NC law restricts cellphones in classrooms, requires social media literacy lessons

School boards must have a policy that requires devices to be turned off during instructional time. Schools will also be required to teach social media literacy and implement internet safety and security measures.

Stein signs bill restricting cellphones, requiring social media literacy lessons in NC schools

School boards must have a policy that requires devices to be turned off during instructional time. Schools will also be required to teach social media literacy and implement internet safety and security measures.

NC lawmakers send new school cellphone bill to Stein. Here's what it would do

Every North Carolina school board would be required to restrict the use of cellphones and other wireless communication devices in schools, with a few exceptions, under legislation passed by the North Carolina General Assembly this week.

5 On Your Side: Save money on your next phone bill

If you think your cell phone bill is too high, you're probably right.

5 On Your Side: Save money on your next phone bill

Many of us are overpaying hundreds of dollars each year, but Consumer Reports says you could save up to $500 a year without sacrificing the coverage or reliability you depend on.

Cellphone crackdown: A look at the new districtwide policies

As schools in central and eastern North Carolina prepare for the new academic year, several districts are implementing stricter cellphone policies to enhance classroom engagement.

Cellphone crackdown: New policies going into effect in districts across NC

As schools in central and eastern North Carolina prepare for the new academic year, several districts are implementing stricter cellphone policies to enhance classroom engagement.

Johnston County schools' new policy restricts cellphone use for teachers and students during class

Johnston County Public Schools will implement a new policy prohibiting both students and teachers from using cellphones during class time.

NC teachers, students say school cellphone policies often don't work. Here's what they recommend

Most schools have policies restricting cellphones in classrooms, but teachers and students say they don't work. WRAL visited several schools to explore what works and what doesn't.

Emily Walkenhorst and Destinee Patterson, WRAL News

Why NC schools are restricting cellphones, and how that will affect your school

Some individual schools and school boards in North Carolina have already cracked down on the use of mobile devices by students. State lawmakers, meanwhile, are still deciding what the new rules should be.

Lawmakers, school boards answering the call to create classroom cell phone policies

State lawmakers and school boards across the country are looking into restricting cell phone use at school. WRAL education insider Emily Walkenhorst shares insight on what's dictating policy.