The district is working on a policy that would prevent students from accessing their cell phones during emergencies, in the interest of safety, after a recent string of unsubstantiated threats of violence as well as incidents involving weapons.

HISD is moving toward a new policy to keep students from using phones during emergencies because they could be “counterproductive” and inhibit first responders.

Houston Independent School District officials are addressing safety concerns following multiple lockdowns at Houston area schools this week, implementing increased security measures and cracking down on threats.

The southeast Houston school was one of two placed on lockdown Wednesday because of incidents involving knives. A student at Elsik High School was in possession of a kitchen knife.

HISD Police Chief Shamara Garner said in a video published Tuesday that a student was arrested for a social media threat amid a rise in reported threats against schools statewide.