KEOKUK (WGEM) - The new school year is underway, and with it, a new policy restricting cell-phone use, as mandated by the State of Iowa.

Signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds this spring, HF 782 prohibits cell phones during instructional time. Exceptions include accommodating students with disabilities, English language learners, and those with individual education plans.

At Keokuk High School, students and staff are reporting early success less than one week into the school year.

“I was thinking that a bunch of kids probably wouldn’t follow the rule and that it would definitely be a difficult changing period, but I actually don’t think it’s been as bad as I assumed,” said KHS junior Matea Fox.

Fox said she doesn’t spend too much time on her phone, as her school day and extracurricular activitie

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