Pencils. Why pencils? - Another question for Americans

[thismaz]

I was watching BtVS3:1 'Anne', the other day and there is a scene with Willow and Xander in the library, when Giles rushes off after another possible lead on Buffy's whereabouts. They are studying and both of them are holding pencils. These two are supposed to be in their final year of High School. They are 17 going on 18. Why don't they have pens? And it occurred to me, again, that I can't remember ever seeing any of the High School students use pens. It is always pencils.

So I'm asking if there is a reason for that. Anybody know?

Comments

[kidcyclone.livejournal.com]

I kinda thought it was cos they could be used as an impromptu stake in a pinch- granted, school takes place during daylight hours and technically that should keep the walking undead at bay, but you can't be too careful if you live on a Hellmouth... :>

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

but you can't be too careful if you live on a Hellmouth
*laughing* No, that's true, you really can't. It is a good idea. Thanks for adding to this little debate.
I think, in the end, I tend towards the 'last minute script changes so they were there theory'.
It was because I could never remember seeing any of them use a pen, that I got curious.