The Government of Saskatchewan announced Monday that starting in September cell phones will not be allowing during class time at K to 12 schools in the province.

The education minister, in a news release, says cell phones are taking students’ attentions from their learning. Jeremy Cockrill said, “This new policy will allow students to be more engaged with their teachers and focused on learning the skills and knowledge they need to reach their potential.”

These new measures will apply to all Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools in the province. For students in Grades 9 to 12, teachers will have to request an exemption from administration to allow cell phone use by students during class when needed for an instructional purpose.

Exemptions are also available for students that require ongoing use of mobile devices for medical or specific learning needs.

In terms of communicating with students and parents in the event of an emergency the government says each school division has procedures in place.