The Toronto District School Board has lifted a ban on cellphones and other electronic devices in schools.

New rules approved just after midnight, after hours of debate, give teachers the final say on whether to allow cellphones and laptops in classrooms.

Either way, they will be allowed in hallways.

The new rules take effect in September.

Many board members argued that electronic devices, including cellphones, can effectively be used for learning.

The ban was put in place in 2007.