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Lubbock ISD bans cell phones during school hours

Entrance to the Lubbock ISD Administration Building, taken April 24, 2025.
Bishop Van Buren
/
KTTZ
Entrance to the Lubbock ISD Administration Building, taken April 24, 2025.

A new state law is changing how students in Lubbock handle their phones at school.

In line with House Bill 1481, Lubbock ISD has begun enforcing a district-wide policy banning the use of personal communication devices on campus.

These devices include cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, gaming devices, airpods and any other devices capable of digital or telecommunication, essentially any device that can be used for texting, calling, social media or streaming.

Students are now required to keep these devices powered off and out of sight for the entire school day — from the first bell to the last, including during lunch and hallway passing periods.

District-issued devices are exempt, and students with documented medical needs or individualized education plans may still use personal devices if it's part of their accommodation.

The consequences for breaking the rule escalate with each offense.

The first and second offenses will result in a verbal warning and close referral. Elementary and middle school students will have their guardian contacted, and their devices can only be picked up by them. Highschoolers, though, will be allowed to pick up their device on their own after the first offense.

Third offenses will result in meetings between guardians and administrators, with those guardians asked to sign a letter of understanding that outlines consequences for any additional offenses. The fourth, fifth, and sixth offense will result in one, two and three days of in-school-suspension, respectively.

A seventh offense will require all devices be left at home for the remainder of the school year as well as alternative school placement for up to 10 days. Continued offenses will result in out-of-school suspension and consideration for alternative school placement for a longer period.

Bishop Van Buren is a reporter with KTTZ who has been in Lubbock since 2020 and enjoys covering sports, culture, and environmental issues.