More than 700 high school students in the Ramsey school district will have to lock up their cellphones, smartwatches and earbuds in January.

It's all part of an effort to turn off devices that can be distractive in school.

"I think they could live without it while they're in school because years ago we did. Using a cellphone in a classroom is really disruptive. You're there to learn," said parent Tina Labriola.

Officials say going phone-free for kindergarten through 12th grade was always part of the policy.

The district is using the Yondr cellphone storage pouch system to help lock up the electronics and focus more on learning.

"School is first and foremost about academics, instruction. So, we want that pack to be sacred, but we also want the kids to have the opportunity to socialize and improve their social-emotional skills. Conversing in the hallway, laughing... like this idea of like for three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon cellphones are just not part of the day," said Superintendent Dr. Andrew Matteo.

High school students bring the pouch to and from school, placing all electronic devices inside the bag and then having it sealed.

If they are leaving for lunch or in the cafeteria or upper gym, phones can be unlocked to get used, but officials encourage students not to use them.

"We didn't want to confiscate rights and keep them in the office we thought that was like an extreme. So yes, they keep them with them, put them in their backpack and then when that are leaving, we have different exits dedicated that have these unlocking devices," said Dr. Matteo.

The superintendent says for students who don't follow the new policy, there are consequences, like confiscating your phone or detention.

The new policy for high school students begins on Jan. 6.