Warren County School District officials are limiting cell phone use by students.

“Our goal is to help students stay focused on their schoolwork and reduce distractions,” the District said in a Facebook post. “We also want to lessen the impact of social media, which can be harmful to our kids.”

Cell phone and earbud use will be limited to passing time, lunch and before and after school.

“During instruction time, cell phone use will not be permitted, except when authorized by a teacher for instructional purposes,” the District said.

Several benefits are outlined – reducing distractions, protecting mental health, preventing cyber-bullying.

“Studies show that some students can get hundreds of notifications each day. These can make it hard to concentrate and do well in school,” district officials said in the Facebook post. “Social media can cause anxiety and depression. By using phones less at school, we hope to create a healthier environment.”

It’s also hoped that limiting phone use will “reduce cyberbullying and encourage students to interact face-to-face, which builds important social skills.”

Exceptions will be made for any student with a medical need or assistive technology.

Students are asked to keep their phones in their lockers or at a “location established by each classroom teacher.”

District officials say that any parent looking to reach a child during the school day should call the school office.

“We will make sure your child gets the message,” the Facebook post explained. “If a student needs to call home, they can use the office phone.”