As students across Texas head back to class this week, they’re also adjusting to a major new rule. No cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, or other personal devices will be allowed to be used during the entire school day.

A new state law bans students from using personal devices at any time between the first and last bell. That includes hallways, lunch periods, and other non-instructional times. The only exceptions are for medical needs or emergencies.

According to the Texas Education Agency, districts must have written policies in place by September 18.

Many North Texas districts already had classroom phone bans in place, but the new law extends the restriction to the entire day, including lunches and in between classes.

Many districts like Garland, Mesquite, Frisco, Plano, Allen, and

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