CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hamilton County School Board has rolled out a “bell-to-bell” cell phone ban in classrooms across the district.

The updated policy is designed to reduce distractions, improve academic outcomes, and encourage more face-to-face interaction among students.

This move follows months of discussion and community input.

School leaders began reviewing cell phone use earlier this year after repeated concerns from teachers and parents that devices were interrupting instruction and fueling behavioral issues.

Multiple board meetings and committee reviews weighed possible approaches before landing on the district-wide “bell-to-bell” restriction.

School leaders say their goal is to create campuses where students feel supported and ready to learn without the constant pu

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