Shanley High School principal on phone ban: parents think it's "brilliant"

(Fargo, ND) -- The principal at Shanley High School is talking about how parents are reacting to the school's new ban on phones and other mobile devices during school hours.

"I was surprised that it was overwhelmingly positive. I received email replies, seeing people before or after mass on Sundays, telling me in person and in phone calls they thought it was brilliant. They were very happy with it," said Reverend Kyle Metzger.  

Metzger says the new policy went into effect the first day of school this year. 

Students are required to keep phones and smart watches in backpacks or in their cars, from the time the first bell rings, until class is dismissed at the end of the day. 

Metzger says when phone was allowed during previous years during non-class periods, that students were still spending too much time on their phones and other devices, and minimizing engagement with others around them.