SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama public school students will see a big change this fall: cellphones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and other personal tech devices will no longer be allowed during class time under the new FOCUS Act, passed earlier this year by state lawmakers.
The law—officially named the Focus on Classrooms and Uninterrupted Study Act—requires students to turn off most personal electronics and store them out of sight for the entire school day, unless explicitly allowed for educational or emergency use.
Why the Change?
Officials say the goal is simple: cut back on distractions and improve student focus.
“This is definitely the right move,” said State Superintendent Eric Mackey during a press briefing. “All the research shows it’s the right move for students, and I’m very excited about it. There may be a few glitches, but we’ll work through them.”
District leaders like Jasper City Schools Superintendent Ann Jackson are encouraging parents to help students adjust early.
“We recognize that this adjustment may take time,” Jackson wrote in a letter to families. “We encourage parents to begin setting limits on screen time now to prepare their children for the new school environment.”
What Devices Are Banned?
Unless specifically approved for instructional use or special needs, the following devices must be turned off and stowed:
• Cellphones
• Smartwatches
• Wireless earbuds
• Tablets
• Laptops (unless issued for instruction)
• Gaming consoles
• Pagers
• Any portable device used for texting, calling, or messaging
Exceptions to the Rule
Devices may only be used if:
• The student has a documented accommodation through an IEP, 504, or health plan
• A teacher authorizes use for learning under direct supervision
• There is an immediate threat or emergency impacting student safety
Where Should Devices Be Stored?
According to the law, devices must be stored “off the student’s person”, which could include:
• Lockers
• Backpacks
• Cars
• Secure classroom storage (if permitted)
Each school district will set specific enforcement and storage guidelines. Some may permit limited access during lunch or class transitions, but others plan to enforce a “bell-to-bell” ban.
What Happens If My Child Breaks the Rule?
Consequences for unauthorized use vary by district. Examples include:
• Confiscation of the device until a parent retrieves it
• In-school suspension for repeat offenses (as in Morgan County Schools)
• Written warnings, behavior plans, or parent meetings
Families should consult their student handbooks or school board policies for district-specific consequences.
How Can I Reach My Child During the School Day?
Parents are encouraged to limit non-emergency communication during school hours. In case of urgent need:
• Contact the school office directly
• Email the student’s school-provided account
• Follow new district safety protocols that ensure families are notified in emergencies
Social Media Safety Course Now Required
The FOCUS Act also mandates social media education for all seventh-grade students, with lessons in safe and responsible online behavior.
Districts may deliver this through an advisory period, computer science courses, or health curriculum. Students who transfer into Alabama schools after 8th grade and did not receive the course must make it up.
What Families Should Do Now:
• Talk with children about the new rules
• Check your district’s specific policy on storage and enforcement
• Review how you’ll communicate with your child during school hours
• Plan ahead for social media curriculum requirements
For many families and schools, this is a cultural shift. But advocates say the result will be more focused classrooms, stronger academic performance—and fewer interruptions.
“This is about protecting instructional time,” Mackey said. “We’re making space for students to learn—and that’s worth it.”