Let’s Clear Up Some Confusion About Lubbock’s Cell Phone Ban In Schools

KCBD recently posted an interview with Superintendent Dr. Kathy Rollo on the topic of cell phone bans in schools. Dr. Rollo spoke positively and enthusiastically about the results; however, folks in the comment section had some critiques. I think it would be valuable to clear the air on some of these issues.

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Cell Phone Bans At Schools Are A Statewide Law

Even if Dr. Rollo didn't think the cell phone ban was a positive influence, she would have no choice in the matter. House Bill 1481 banned "bell-to-bell" cellphone use in schools by law as of September 1, 2025. The ban includes phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and tablets. The bill was bipartisan, passed unanimously in the Senate, and signed by Greg Abbott. 

Children With Certain Documented Medical Needs Are Exempt

If your child has a medical need to have their device on and accessible, their doctor can supply you with documentation to turn into your child's school (for instance, your child is diabetic and needs their device to monitor their blood sugar levels).

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In Case Of Emergency- Just Turn On The Phone

Many parents in the comments brought up school shootings or other emergencies as reasons their child should always have access to their phone. At LISD schools, they do. The policy is that the phone just needs to be turned off and put away. Meaning in an emergency, the student can just retrieve it from their backpack, turn it on, and call whom they want to. Additionally, too many calls during a mass casualty event can crash systems and cause delays in help, so it's actually safer if less people call to report it.

Land The Hellicopter, Parents

Some parents expressed their right to contact their child whenever they want to. In my opinion, this type of helicopter parenting is just a bad idea (I say this as an admitted helicopter parent myself). Rules matter, and teaching your precious baby that you are entitled to their time, even if they are at school, is problematic. If it's an emergency, you can contact the school, and you will be allowed to talk to your kid. If it's not, you can text them, and they will certainly see it as soon as the school day ends. Planning things in advance is a great skill for us all to learn, right?

Kids Deserve A Chance At The Real World

Would I have preferred to have had a phone instead of dealing with other people when I was at school? Probably. Would it have been good for me? Absolutely not. You can look up any number of studies that show how alienating being "plugged in" can be for anyone, kids included. Kids need some social skills, some patience, and the right to be occasionally bored (it's good for you). They might end up with some lifelong friends from school, like we did.