FOCUS Act Signed By Kay Ivey; Cell Phones Now Banned In Schools

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed the FOCUS Act into law, officially banning students from using smartphones and wireless devices during the school day in public schools. The legislation is aimed at reducing distractions and improving academic performance.

According to a press release from the Office of the Alabama Governor, Kay Ivey, Governor Ivey said, "Smartphones can be useful, but they don’t belong in our classrooms except for emergencies or educational purposes,"  surrounded by middle school students during the bill signing. "The FOCUS Act will help students concentrate on learning."

Sponsored by Rep. Leigh Hulsey, the new law also directs school districts to establish internet safety policies for students using school-owned devices. “Limiting distractions in the classroom helps students get the most from their education,” Hulsey said, according to that same press release.

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Sen. Donnie Chesteen, who helped guide the bill through the Legislature, added, “By restricting cell phone use, students stay more engaged and perform better.”

The law also includes a requirement for the Alabama State Department of Education to provide safe social media training for students before eighth grade.

Pike Road Junior High, which already uses a no-phone pouch policy, has seen major improvements in student engagement and academic performance. According to a press release from the Office of the Alabama Governor, Kay Ivey, Principal Christy Wright said the school recently exceeded its PSAT 8/9 growth target by 95 points, placing scores 39 points above the national average. “This is more than a law it’s a chance to build stronger, more focused learning environments,” she said.

The FOCUS Act is now in effect statewide, marking a major step toward fostering distraction-free classrooms in Alabama’s public schools.