HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WTVY) – Schools across the state of Alabama are busy getting ready to implement the newly passed FOCUS Act.
The new state law prohibits student cell phone use in public schools but leaves specifics to educators at the local level. The law also applies to smart watches, tablets, and other personal devices that could impact students.
“When we are fighting for time between a cell phone, a text, or a social media post, when they should be in our classes in front of their teachers learning, it becomes a battle,” said Cas Haddock, the student services director for Houston County Schools.
Most schools are implementing a bell-to-bell ban, meaning from the first bell of the day to the last, phones are not allowed.
“The cell phones have to be turned off, in a bookbag, or lockers, or secured storage areas at schools. We had to make sure that we put some policies in place, procedures, and checkpoints to make sure our schools are able to handle the volume of cell phones,” Haddock said.
The ban does come with exceptions, such as students who require devices for documented medical reasons.
Districts like Dale County and Ozark City Schools have also outlined punishment for violators, such as confiscation and suspension.
In a News4 Facebook post about the bill, some parents expressed concerns about safety and not being able to contact their children in case of an emergency.
One parent referenced an incident from just this past school year when an EF1 tornado hit Dothan Prep.
“I disagree,” the parent said. “The tornado incident was a prime example of why the kids should have access to their phones. It would have alleviated some of the panic and frustration.”
Haddock said that in case of an emergency, students will be able to contact their parents
“We are going to allow them to contact their parents. We have cell phones on staff members, and the office will have phones for those children who may not be able to get in touch with their parents immediately,” Haddock said.
Other parents think the FOCUS Act is a great idea.
“People can not stay off their phone as long as they have access to it,” one teacher said. “Just look around…. I am a high school teacher in the Wiregrass area. My school system enforced this rule last year. Best year of teaching regarding cell phones/ smart watches I’ve had in years!”
Ultimately, Haddock hopes to see a similar impact across the state of Alabama with the FOCUS Act.
“We hope to eliminate some of those battles, and the biggest thing is to make sure we are producing a college and career-ready student so that when they graduate, they can go off into the workforce or if they choose to go into a college path, they are ready,” Haddock said.
The FOCUS Act also considers student safety, requiring 7th graders to complete an online course that educates students about the risks associated with social media.
Alabama joins eight other states that have implemented similar bans.
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