EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A state lawmaker plans to introduce a bill next month that would ban cell phones from being used in public school classrooms. State Rep. Julie Casimiro, D-North Kingstown, said on Tuesday the data shows that phones being used in class "is severely hurting the educational outcomes of our students." "I have seen firsthand the detrimental effects of cell phone classroom use as a substitute teacher in North Kingstown and it truly is hampering our students’ growth and progress," Casimiro added. "From simply distracting kids from paying attention, to fostering and exacerbating tension, stress and unruly behavior within the classroom, cell phones have become a significant impediment to our students properly learning and it's time we ban their use throughout Rhode Island’s public school classrooms." READ MORE: Restrictions on student cell phone use picking up steam in RI Restricting usage of phones in school has gained momentum locally. In North Providence's Ricci Middle School, students have to put their phones in a teacher-supervised locker. Nathanael Greene Middle School requires students to place their phones in a Yondr locking pouch. Over in Fall River, a cell phone ban was implemented in October for middle and high school students. House spokesperson Larry Berman said once the bill is introduced, it will likely go to the House Education Committee. NEXT: Common Cause RI files complaint, petition tied to ILO controversy Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW