FAYETTE COUNTY, Tenn. -- Students and cell phones, it's one of the biggest debates for school administrators, teachers, parents and students. And now, another Tennessee school district is joining the growing list of school districts to ban the devices. On school campuses around the Mid-South, chances are if you see students, you'll see them with cell phones. However, several school districts are opting to enforce new local policies that ban the devices. "I've been touring the State this summer (and) a little bit this fall, and so many districts are already doing that. I was up in Dyersburg the other day. They already have a policy in place," said Tennessee Representative Mark White. Restaurant Inspection Scores, October 29 – November 4 WREG has learned that the Fayette County School District will begin banning cell phones in January of next year. Fayette County Schools posted on social media that students will be required to turn in their cell phones and/or electronic devices at the start of the school day and retrieve them at the end. They say this change will help students stay focused, reduce distractions and support academic success. "So we are looking at another Bill, going back into session in January, on how we can support our districts across the State," White said. "I am a firm believer that the cell phone should not be out during the day." Teachers and administrators have long known cell phones were major distractions in learning but some parents argue they're needed when contacting their children during an emergency such as a school shooting. "I think we need to find a balance where we need to be practical," said Tennessee Representative G.A. Hardaway. "We know that the way that society is now cell phones and other technologies are fully integrated with our lifestyle." Thousands attend COGIC’s Christmas in November giveaway In North Mississippi, the Marshall County School District issued pouches to lock their phones in every school day. In Arkansas, the state set aside $7 million to help lock student cell phones. In Tennessee, MSCS, the state's largest school district does not have a cell phone ban in place as the debate over the device continues. "So, I'm not for doing anything statewide right now. I think we want to look at what's been the impact of what Fayette County is doing," Hardaway said. "And then look at some of the other LEAS(local education agencies) and see how they fared." WREG has reached out to the Fayette County School District for comment. This story will be updated when we hear back from them.