STOCKTON – Students at Lincoln Unified State College returned to class, but this time without cell phones due to a district-wide cell phone ban that went into effect for this school year.

While some parents like it, others have concerns because safety is paramount.

Some parents welcome the new cell phone ban at the Lincoln Unified School District.

“I think this is a great thing. I think the kids should be more focused on what’s happening in class than fidgeting around and playing with their phones,” said David Medina.

Medina has twins who attend Lincoln High School and dropped them off on their first day there.

He supports the ban on cell phones and trusts that employees will do their jobs.

“Plus, they can take it out of their backpack or whatever after school and turn it right on,” he said.

“Honestly, I don’t agree with this. With everything that’s going on, I want to be available for my child,” said Tamaya Buriss.

Buriss, mother of a Lincoln High School freshman, says she is concerned about safety.

“Let’s not be naive. There’s so much going on in Stockton, let alone the world. But there’s a lot going on in Stockton,” she said.

Kelly Dextraze, superintendent of the Lincoln Unified State Department, says the lack of phones can actually be helpful in an emergency.

“First responders recommend that in an emergency, the worst thing in the world is for students to share information that may not be accurate,” Dextraze said.

Elementary and middle school students will have their phones confiscated for the entire day, while high school students will have their phones returned during recess and lunch.

Dextraze says that spending less time on the phone and more time in books can do more than just improve grades.

“Distractions need to be reduced and children need to have nothing that hinders their learning,” she said. “We also need to minimize the negative impact of social media on youth. We hope we can make a difference here as well.”

Lincoln Unified says if parents want to convey a message to their child, they can call the school.

If high school students violate this rule three times, they can expect detention or Saturday classes.