One of New Jersey’s largest school districts has taken cellphones out of the hands of students.

In Jersey City, those who do have them will only be able to use the devices during out-of-class time, like lunch or in the halls.

“You know how kids are, they don’t listen,” said parent Pedro Centeno. “They don't pay attention. So, I think this is better. They get three warnings - the third warning, that's it. No more phones. They're going to think about that.”

“They still have their phones, they still have their social media, but it's a healthier balance,” said Superintendent Dr. Norma Fernandez.

Violators will lose their phones until the end of the day, but Fernandez says it’s not about punishing students - it’s about gaining those little moments of human interaction back. Fernandez says she noticed a difference when the district first launched the phone ban as a pilot program.

“Children were talking and laughing,” Fernandez said. “Playgrounds, instead of looking down at a cellphone, they were looking at each other, running. These are developmental needs.”

The phones must be in a student’s backpack or in a locked pouch that can only be unlocked by school staff. Students can use their phones for emergencies, but Fernandez says in a serious moment, the focus should be on first responders.