An important change impacting all Oklahoma public schools was approved by the Ponca City Board of Education on Monday, July 14, 2025. The Oklahoma Legislature recently
enacted Senate Bill 139, which bans students from using personal electronic devices during the school day, from the first bell to the last bell.
This state law goes into effect for the 2025-2026 school year and applies to cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar devices. Under SB 139, students are not allowed to use, access, or display personal electronic devices during class time, passing periods, or lunch.
CELL PHONE PROCEDURES
Student who are found to be using their device during school hours (beginning bell to ending bell) will be asked to take their phone to the office. The teacher will notify the office via intercom.
• 1st offense - student will take the phone to the office, sign the cell phone policy and can pick up the phone at the end of the day.
• 2nd offense - student will take the phone to the office, contact their parent of the 2nd offense, and send a copy of their signed cell phone policy to their parent. The parent will be required to pick up their child’s phone between the hours of 7:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
• 3rd offense - student will be required to check their phone into the office as soon as they arrive at school for two weeks. The student will be allowed to pick up their phone at the end of the day.
• 4th offense - student will be required to check their phone into the office as soon as they arrive at school for the remainder of the semester. The student will be allowed to pick up their phone at the end of the day.
FAQ
What if my child refuses to give their phone?
If a student refuses to leave their phone in the office, it will still count as a disciplinary offense and they will be assigned a detention, Saturday School, etc. An administrator will be contacted and the student will not be allowed to return to class until the phone is turned in for the day.
What devices fall under the cell phone policy.
Cell phones, earbuds, headphones are not allowed to be used during the school day. This includes earbuds that are in the ear or headphones that are worn around the neck. Since we cannot tell if a student is streaming music from their phone or taking a call, earbuds and headphones need to be out of sight.
Smartwatches can be worn by students, but if a student is seen using their smartwatch for anything other than checking the time (scrolling, through a message, typing a message), the student will be asked to take their device to the office and it will count as an offense of the policy.
When can I pick up my child’s phone?
If your child has a 2nd offense and the device requires parent pick up, you can pick up the device during school hours. Offices are open from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
I want my child to be able to have their phone in the event of an emergency. How does this affect my child’s safety?
Students will still be allowed to have their phone at school, but it is very important to remember that in the event of an emergency, it is important to carry out the practiced procedures to ensure safety. Student use of a cell phone during an unfolding emergency can distract their attention from safety and emergency response directions being given by school staff. Cell phone use by students can hamper rumor control and, in doing so, disrupt and delay effective public safety personnel response.
We hope this answers any questions you have regarding our enforcement of State Law70 O.§ 1-126.