PORTLAND (WGME) — More than 30 school districts have voted to ban or restrict the use of cell phones in schools in the state of Maine.

One of the most recent restrictions was passed by the Bath School Board and requires middle and high school students to no longer use their phones in school.

According to Katie Joseph, deputy headteacher of Bath, research shows there is a direct link between screen time and students’ mental health.

“Our school leadership has been looking at this study for the past few years and since our main goals are to improve mental health services and support at our school, we have decided to move in this direction, not through bans, but by implementing policies on phones and smartwatches,” Joseph said.

Students in this district are required to use “Yondr bags.” When they arrive at school, students are required to place their phones and smartwatches in the bag. Once at school, students are allowed to keep their bag containing their phones and smartwatches on them throughout the day. Once the last period is over, students’ Yondr bags are demagnetized and students are then given access to their phones and watches.

According to Joseph, the school hopes to improve students’ concentration, interpersonal relationships and overall well-being.

“I think it’s a good idea because we know that a lot of the things they access on the phone are not always good for their mental health and it also distracts them from their school work,” said Bath resident Shannon Stahlmann.

Stahlmann believes students should carry their phones with them for safety reasons, especially before and after class.

Some parents say their biggest concern is safety protocols. They just want to make sure they stay up to date with the school and authorities if necessary.

“As long as there is a way for parents to reach their children. In my day, of course, they called the office. But I know how much the phone distracts me during the day. I’m retired now, but even when I was still working, I just didn’t know how to get everything done with the phone constantly next to me,” said mother Linda Goldsten.

The ultimate goal, officials and parents say, is that changing phone policies will result in a better experience for Maine students and teachers.