As students across North Texas head back to class this week, they’re also adjusting to a major new rule: Cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other personal electronic devices are not allowed to be used during the school day. A new state law bans students from using personal devices at any time between the first and last bell. That includes hallways, lunch periods, and other non-instructional times. The only exceptions are for medical needs or emergencies.