When Forest Hills students go back to school this fall they'll have to do so without their cell phones.

MLive reports that Forest Hills Public Schools has banned cell phones because of how distracting they are. Beginning in the 2019-2020 calendar year, students will not be allowed to use their cell phones during school hours or even have it visible. This includes in the halls and at lunch.

The Superintendent said that the goal is to improve engagement from students in the classroom as well as face-to-face communication with one another.

"Pilot Programs" were tested at Northern Middle School and Eastern High School and both came back with positive results from staff and students. According to the district's superintendent:

We think the benefits of removing these distractions and habit of constantly looking at their phones will have a strong benefit...

If a student is caught with a cell phone, it will be confiscated until the end of the day. A second violation will result in parents having to come get their child's phone.

More From 97.9 WGRD