Cellphone ban in Alabama schools: Parents have questions about safety, emergencies

Many Alabama students will have to part with cellphones and electronic devices during the school day, thanks to a new state law, the FOCUS Act.

Alabama parents and AL.com readers weighed in on the changes with plenty of questions, especially about how schools will manage communication with families during an emergency.

“I feel like with all of the craziness that happens now, all kids should be allowed to have their phone on them at all times,” Brandi Edmiston commented in response to an AL.com question on Facebook. “However, it should only be visible in emergency-type situations or suspension should take place. No videoing fights, teachers, making reels or Tik-Toks, etc.”

Students will only be able to use devices at school if:

• They are eligible for accommodations through an individualized education, health or 504 plan
• The device is needed for learning purposes and they are under the supervision of school staff
• There is an emergency threatening the life or safety of the student or another person

Unless a student qualifies for an exemption or a teacher authorizes use of a device, prohibited devices include, but are not limited to: Cellphones, laptops, tablets and smartwatches.

School officials say that if an emergency occurs, families should first look for any messaging from the district and law enforcement. If needed, parents can contact the school office or send an email to the student’s school email address. Some districts are adjusting emergency procedures to ensure parents are more quickly alerted in the event of a threat.

What are parents saying about the FOCUS Act?

AL.com asked Facebook readers what they thought of the new law, and we received more than 100 comments.

“I personally think it’s a good idea,” Sean Raymond said. “However, in the past I have gone to school with my kids and in some classes the teachers were on their phones more than the students. They are going to have a hard time enforcing this if the teachers are also going to be distracted by devices.”

Kristi Johnson echoed Raymond’s comments about banning teachers from using cell phones and had a recommendation on where cell phones should be kept.

“There should be a container or basket that they put their phones in while in class,” Johnson said. “Then get them back when class is over. With school shootings happening at schools, kids need to be able to reach out to their parents.”

James Moton said, “We never had a cell phone going to school and we’re still alive. If you needed a phone you’d go to the principal’s office.”

Alanna Stanley Lawler said the “law is completely useless” because students and teachers “use Chromebooks all day.”

“The schools have the kids working on so many standardized ‘learning’ programs, actual teaching has taken a backseat. Go back to having students take notes on what they hear instead of the teacher posting them,” Lawler said.

Students will be able to use Chromebooks, laptops and other devices if authorized by a teacher to do schoolwork or homework.

Some parents also noted that their students find music useful while doing homework.

“My student gets distracted easily b what’s going on around them and being allowed to have music in one ear during work time when instruction wasn’t happening helped her stay on track,” Katrina Steddum said.

Alabama school districts also are implementing changes to the high school diploma process, new funding for certain student groups and new benefits for teachers and educators.