Are Teachers Allowed to Physically Restrain Students?

Q: Are teachers in WCPSS (Wake County Public School System) allowed to physically restrain students who are fighting?
- Bobbi Mantz, Holly Springs

A: Yes, but teachers and other school staff must follow certain guidelines.

The school system’s “Use of Seclusion and Restraint” policy includes the following about physical restraint:

School personnel may physically restrain a student to ensure the safety of the student or others as outlined below. Physical restraint means the use of physical force to restrict the free movement of all or a portion of the student's body. Physical restraint may only be used in the following circumstances:

1) as reasonably needed to obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous objects on a person or within the control of a person;

2) as reasonably needed to maintain order or prevent or break up a fight;

3) as reasonably needed for self-defense;

4) as reasonably needed to ensure the safety of any student, school employee, volunteer, or other person present; to teach a skill; to calm or comfort a student; or to prevent self-injurious behavior;

5) as reasonably needed to escort a student safely from one area to another;

6) if used as provided for in a student's IEP, Section 504 plan, or behavior intervention plan;

7) as reasonably needed to prevent imminent destruction to school or another person's property.

Physical restraint shall not be used solely as a disciplinary consequence, according to the policy.
- Kelly

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