The district adopted the new device policy after it was recommended by its School Health Advisory Committee at a June 19 board of trustees meeting. The change is intended to improve students’ learning and prevent bullying, according to district information.
What you need to know
Beginning the first day of school on Aug. 14, LTISD will prohibit prekindergarten through eighth grade students from using smart devices, including cellphones, earbuds, smart watches and other personal devices. Students must turn off their devices and keep them out of sight throughout the entire school day until dismissal, according to district information.
Students who violate the policy will receive the following consequences based on the number of offenses:
- First offense: A student’s device will be confiscated and may be picked up at the end of the school day.
- Second offense: A student’s device will be confiscated until their parent picks it up at the end of the school day.
- Third offense: Consequences will depend on the enforcement of rules at each campus.
How we got here
The district's School Health Advisory Committee recommended the new protocol for smart devices at a recent board meeting in which several parents spoke about the negative effects of students using cellphones on campus.
Some parents said cellphones were distracting students from learning and leading to cyberbullying as students were filming and circulating videos of each other on social media.
In a letter from Superintendent Paul Norton posted on the district’s website, LTISD said the updated device policy is intended to do the following:
- Enhance students’ focus on learning
- Prevent bullying
- Improve social interaction
- Promote physical activity
- Support digital wellness
The district has gained attention for its response to bullying in recent months after an LTISD parent said two Lake Travis High School football players placed peanuts in her allergic son’s athletic locker. Shawna Mannon—whose family no longer resides in the district—sued the district for $1.5 million on behalf of her son in April after a district investigation found the incident did not meet the legal definition of bullying.
In a recent survey of around 1,700 families, 47% of respondents said they somewhat or strongly disagreed that LTISD schools took measures to address bullying incidents, according to district documents.
For the 2024-25 school year, the district will invite Crime Stoppers of Houston to present to campuses and begin using a platform to better monitor the process of bullying investigations, said Tasha Barker, LTISD assistant superintendent for organizational services.
