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Cell Phone Usage Policy

Cell Phone Policy for 2024-2025

Following a thorough review of district and school practices, Northwest ISD will implement device practices that prohibit the personal use of cell phones by students during class time. These practices will begin at the start of the 2024-2025 school year on Wednesday, August 14.

Campus leaders met throughout the summer to align standards for cell phone usage in schools. These standards were developed to balance best practices for a strong learning environment with the need for cell phones during emergencies. The new standards will assist teachers by ensuring student learning is prioritized in the classroom and minimizing distractions.

Across all levels, students will be allowed to have cell phones in their backpacks, and cell phones will be prohibited for personal use during class time. The following practices are specific at the indicated campus levels:

High Schools

  • Cell phones and earbuds must be left in a student’s backpack during class unless a teacher allows their use for academic purposes. Smartwatches may be worn.

  • Students may use electronic devices in the hallways during passing periods and during lunch.

Students who do not follow these standards will be subject to disciplinary consequences in alignment with the Student Code of Conduct that all families agree to upon enrollment. Parents and guardians will be notified of any disciplinary action for cell phone usage.

Northwest ISD and its schools believe technology can be used as a tool for learning, but the ongoing distraction of cell phones for personal use have hampered student learning. We look forward to students learning and engaging with their friends and classmates when school resumes on August 14.