PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — This academic year, a new statewide law has been implemented that prohibits the use of cell phones for middle and high school students. This legislation specifically restricts phone use for high school students.

District leaders in Pasco County implemented some of the state’s strictest device guidelines last school year ahead of the new law.

“We just attacked this as a district very logically,” Toni Zetzsche said.

According to district leaders, they faced some backlash over their policy during its implementation.

Teachers worried about effects on their lessons and parents voiced concerns about not having access to their children during emergencies.

Now, as other local districts tighten up their policies to comply with the new law, leaders in Pasco warn, there will be challenges.

“There are occasional instances,” Zetzsche noted. “Sometimes, kids are reluctant to part with their phones. They see them as a lifeline, feeling more secure when they’re connected to everyone around them.”

She said once a uniform policy is in place the benefits of a distraction free classroom outweigh the challenges.