Officials at Karns City Junior-Senior High School notified parents Tuesday evening that students will no longer be allowed to use their cell phones during the school day, except for instructional purposes as allowed by teachers.

According to an email and voicemail message sent by principals Brenda Knoll and Mike Stimac, cell phone use is causing Wi-Fi connectivity issues within the school, thus leading to the restriction.

Students were initially permitted to carry their cell phones to and from class, and use them throughout the day. The email informed parents that “students can still carry their phones, but they should be turned off during the day.”

The message went on to say that students are allowed to use their phones during the school for instructional purposes if their teachers permit.

Additionally, students are no longer permitted to walk through the hallways, classrooms or cafeteria with earbuds in their ears.