The FOCUS Act, signed into law by Governor Ivey in May, goes into effect as students return to school for the 2025-2026 academic year. FOCUS, which stands for Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety, prohibits students in Alabama’s public schools from using wireless communication devices in classrooms during instructional time. Smartphones, cell phones, smartwatches, airpods, earbuds, smart glasses, tablets, laptops, gaming devices, pagers, and any other portable electronic device that can exchange voice, messaging, or other communication with another device must be turned off and stored during the instructional day. Many schools already had similar rules in place regarding devices, but this is the first statewide law restricting the use of communication devices in schools.
The law states that devices should be turned off and stored “off the student person” in a locker, car, backpack, or other storage location. Consequences for violating the law could include device confiscation, parental notification, inschool or out-of-school suspension, and a referral to an alternative school for repeat offenders. Some school districts have already warned that the parents or legal guardians of repeat offenders could be reported to their District Attorney.
The act allows for exceptions for educational purposes under supervision, emergencies, and for students with specific needs outlined in IEP’s, 504 plans, or individualized health plans.
The act also requires the Alabama State Department of Education to provide social media safety training for students before they enter eight grade.
Proponents of the FOCUS act believe it will reduce distractions, improve student focus, and enhance safety and engagement by encouraging social interaction and deeper connections among students by reducing their reliance on devices. Many educators have supported the act since its creation. Opponents of the act worry that the ban on devices could hinder students’ ability to communicate with emergency services or loved ones in critical situations like school shootings and lockdowns. Some opponents also believe the FOCUS act is an example of government overreach.
After signing the act into law in May, Governor Ivey said, “In my state of the state address, I repeated the requests of Alabama teachers and parents in calling for a ban on student cell phone use in our schools. Smart phones have beneficial roles when used in proper settings. However, these often disruptive devices have no place in our classrooms during the school day except for educational purposes or during an emergency. The FOCUS Act will enable students to focus on learning while in school rather than on their phones.”
