Cell phones have become a growing problem in schools, considered "nuisance" items because of classroom disruptions. As many schools tighten restrictions, one metro school is doing the opposite.

Thursday was the first day for the whole student body of Millard North High School. And it's estimated that more than 90% of them carry cell phones.

Millard’s policy and that of other area school districts is to completely prohibit the use of cell phones during the school day. However, Millard North is changing things up, giving students some added freedom this year.

Principal Brian Begley told Channel 6 News, “Cell phones aren't going away and given that the mounting number of infractions we've had in the last couple of years, we kind of felt the time was right to loosen the cell phone procedure so that we can focus on the bigger fish we have to fry here."

Begley announced the new procedure in a school-wide broadcast. "Cellular phones and other electronic devices may be used during fifth hour," he told students. “These items must be put away, turned off and out of sight at all other times, including passing periods."’

Fifth period equates to lunchtime for the students. The locations designated for cell phone use include the cafeteria, the Mustang Center, commons area and courtyard.

Teachers may also allow cell phones in class, at their discretion, possibly even working them into lessons. Teacher Aaron Bearinger plans to do just that. A major project for his students involves calling area businesses.

Other applications, Begley said, could include global positioning technology or their calendar features to better organize their time and workload. "Focus less on the negative and more on the positive, we feel it can be a real plus for our kids."

Many students admit they’re hooked on the technology. “I text a lot,” said senior Lynn Wegrzn.

Senior Jon Ringblom said he sends 50-60 text messages every day. "This is how kids stay in touch with each other now."

Bearinger hopes allowing them the freedom to text during a portion of the day will cut back on their attempts to do so during class. He said it’s become a real problem. “You need to re-teach, because the student will say, ‘oh, I didn't get that.’ (It’s) because they weren't paying attention, you know, because they were texting."

And he said they’ve gotten creative. "They'll have a hoodie and they'll have their hands inside their hoodie texting. The students are so adept at texting they don't even have to look at their cell phone anymore."

Wegrzyn does not believe the new policy will end the problem. "Kids use their cell phones all the time. Like, they'll find a way to text if they want to text."

But she added, "If you are about to go to lunch, you can just wait ten minutes and not risk being caught and getting your cell phone taken away, so it'll be a little bit of incentive."

That’s the idea, said Begley. He said he modeled the new policy after that of a high school in Kansas City.

Begley said it’s in keeping with Millard’s 40 Developmental Assets program, which strives to provide students with building blocks for success.

"It's important to let kids know we care about them and that we're here to support them in their learning," he said. "And with that, we have to set boundaries and expectations."

Begley, as well as other administrators and teachers, will be watching closely this school year, to see if the new freedom for students translates into fewer infractions.