Social Media and Cell Phones
PC Cell Phone Policies
Portage Central High School has whole-school cell phone policies and classroom-level cell phone policies.
Each teacher sets their own cell phone policy in their own classroom, which is communicated to students in their class syllabus and verbally in class. Classroom policies range from "phones out of sight--always" to "phones acceptable for educational purposes with explicit permission." When a student violates a classroom device policy and the teacher refers the student to their Assistant Principal, the student is assigned a one-hour, after-school detention (also called a 2:50, because it starts at 2:50PM).
Whole school policies include the following:
Cameras may not be used, ever, unless given explicit permission for an academic purpose and no other individuals may be in photos without their consent.
Taking photos or recording video in a bathroom is always prohibited, not only by school policy, but also by law. For more information about legal consequences related to device use in and outside of school, reach out to our school resource officer.
Students may use cell phones for school-appropriate purposes in the halls during passing periods.
Students may use cell phones for school-appropriate purposes during lunch.
When a student violates a school-wide device policy, they are assigned consequences based on the relevant student code of conduct policy. See the student handbook for more information.
Cell Phone, Social Media, and Internet Safety Resources for Families
How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers, Rachel Ehmke, Child Mind Institute
Kids and Cell Phones, by the Federal Trade Commission
Information and suggestions related to cell phone features and how to start thinking about family rules and expectations related to phone use.
Parent Guide to Protecting Teens on Social Media, by SafeSearchKids
Tips for parenting in the diverse world of social media. Includes thoughts regarding boundaries, suggestions related to media privacy, and resources to share with your teen.
Protecting Kids Online, by the Federal Trade Commission
A series of articles related to online safety, including articles on: how to talk to your kids about online safety and security, computer security practices, and cell phones and texting.
