Nova Scotia stopped allowing cellphones in classrooms almost two years ago. Student Ishaan Anandavaskaran says it helps him learn.

Ishaan says, "Cellphones are very distracting. Not having them is a good thing."

In 2024, the education department said students must turn off their phones during class.

There are exceptions for educational purposes or if a student needs a device for help.

Other Canadian provinces have similar rules.

The education minister says teachers like the new rule.

The minister says, "Students are not distracted by their phones. They are paying attention in class."

Most students follow the rules, but some do not listen.

The minister says, "The new rule has been successful. Most students follow it easily."

One student, Asher, says he is addicted to his phone and finds it hard to put it away.

Asher says, "I won't follow the rule, but it's a good idea."

There have been 4,790 cases of students breaking the cellphone rule since it started.

There are 133,752 students in public schools in Nova Scotia.

Most students at one high school follow the rule, and those who don't get in trouble.

One student says, "The rule makes students more disciplined."

The teachers' union president says the rule was effective at first.

But the president says the message about the rule has not been clear lately.

He says the rules should be reminded to students and families several times a year.

The president says, "We need to remind students what is expected of them."

He says, "We need to tell students things more than once for them to listen."

The education minister says he has heard these concerns before.

The minister says, "If we need to clarify the message, we will."

Here are more top stories.

A couple in Cape Breton started a foundation to help trades and sports.

The auditor general in Halifax is looking into the mayor's expenses.

Government officials will meet to talk about closing library branches.

A case about a baby's remains is waiting for evidence.

The Competition Bureau is looking into how Sobeys controls food sales.