Oklahoma classrooms go phone-free under new state law

Students across Oklahoma will face a big change as they head back to class with a new state law banning cellphone use during the school day.

RELATED: Oklahoma’s new bell-to-bell cellphone ban: Teachers, administrators weigh in on impact in classrooms

Senate Bill 139 requires all public schools in the state to enforce policies that limit phone usage from the start of the school day until the final bell rings.

Advocates for the new cell phone ban say it will limit distractions in the classroom, reduce cyberbullying and improve overall academic performance.

SEE ALSO: Oklahoma City metro schools enforce new 'bell-to-bell' phone ban as students head back to class

“We’re really focusing on student achievement," Oklahoma City Public Schools General Counsel Tony Childers said. "So that