@al.comnews: A new law, called the FOCUS Act, requires students to turn off most devices and stow them away during the school day, unless needed for schoolwork. This includes cell phones, tablet computers, laptops, pagers, gaming devices, smart watches, wireless earbuds, and any other portable electronic device that can exchange voice, messaging, or other communication with another device. All devices must be turned off and stored “off the student person” in a locker, car, backpack or other storage location. Some districts may allow students to use their device during lunch or between classes, but they must be stowed away during instructional time. Others plan to ban devices from bell to bell. Several districts advise parents to keep communication limited, but if needed, they can contact the school office or send an email to the student’s school email address. Others are revising emergency procedures to ensure parents are more quickly alerted in the event of a threat. Story by Rebecca Griesbach. #alabama #schools #iphone #android #backtoschool
AL.com
Region: US
Monday 21 July 2025 21:45:00 GMT
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Robin :
This needs to apply to teachers and staff as well.
2025-07-21 22:47:06
1513
Drake :
pay my phone bill n then i’ll think abt it
2025-07-22 17:51:49
333
whoevencares :
they need to be able to video the crazy stuff. some wouldn't believe it if not.
2025-07-22 22:53:43
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Kade :
I’m still bringing my phone bro😭
2025-07-22 06:06:48
215
Adam :
Literally almost no point in the ban, just makes the students hate school more. With how many mental challenges Alabama schools face, instead of giving counslers and mental health resources more finances, we are banning phones lol.
2025-07-21 22:04:41
588
Sable Industries :
“No Jimmy you can’t text your parents you love them” “We don’t know if this lockdown drill is real or not”
2025-07-21 22:06:40
370
Drew :
Scary. They can't contact parents if something nefarious is happening
2025-07-21 23:33:37
353
🤘🏻 UT NATION 🤘🏻 :
Ofc this happens my senior year. Can’t wait to leave this state 😂
2025-07-22 05:34:57
251
洛雷姆·伊普蘇姆 :
A lot of people are overreacting to this no-phone policy, but it’s really not that big of a deal. My school implemented the same rule when I was in ninth grade, and life went on. In fact, it actually helped. You’re still allowed to have your phone you just can’t have it out during the school day. That alone defeats most of the arguments against it. The policy had a positive effect. Without phones constantly in our hands, people started talking more and connecting in real life. Our grade became more social and unified. Before the policy, most of us were just glued to our screens, barely interacting. And let’s be honest a lot of the fights, drama, and nonsense that happen at school get recorded and posted online. That kind of exposure sticks with people, and not in a good way. Taking phones out of the equation helped cut down on that. People need to stop reacting emotionally and actually think this through. The rule isn’t about control it’s about creating a better environment, one where students are more present, less distracted, and not constantly broadcasting mistakes that can haunt them for years.
2025-07-23 19:41:58
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Koolaidman :
And what benefit does this have??
2025-07-21 23:13:03
128
Chaeny93 :
Everyone homeschool their kids. Means no jobs for teachers. Since they think this is such a great idea. I don’t agree with it. We had our phones in school, and we turned out just fine.
2025-07-22 13:08:33
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Josh Porter :
I’m sorry, but how common school shootings are these days, my son WILL ALWAYS have a phone with him.
2025-07-22 04:18:19
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Rauldog :
As somebody who works security in multiple Alabama schools, nobody is enforcing this.
2025-07-21 22:14:29
160
>>>>>(Nialls Version) :
Ok yall what happens if there’s a m@ss shooting and u can’t call ur parents to let them know what happened
2025-07-22 05:24:02
18
cadefrankcarter :
Good
2025-07-22 00:32:01
1
tracyl1935 :
Yeah no phone ….. no computer. It’s easy, don’t sign for them a Chromebook. Tell them your household passed a law too
2025-07-21 21:54:08
36
🤍Tíffjeån🤍 :
Yeah, once the state decides to arm our schools with security then I’ll be ok with this until then my kid will have his phone on him
2025-07-21 23:46:16
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robang16 :
My kids will have their phones on them for emergency purposes
2025-07-22 01:39:28
13
️ :
they not taking my phone💯
2025-07-22 06:17:07
31
 ブランド :
ikkk bro dey tammat if we caught 3 times we get kicked out of school
2025-07-22 13:58:11
0
✧˖°. kaylee 𝜗𝜚 ‧₊˚ ⊹♣️ :
at my school a 3rd offense of having your phone gets you sent to juvenile🥀
2025-07-23 17:48:32
1
“gear 5 sound effect” :
(Living in Alabama btw) if any of you see this comment just know that Alabama is used as a test state for laws like this so be prepared for your state to try and implement this kind of ruling in the coming months
2025-07-22 04:46:52
30
!!! :
I’m Still gonna play block blast mid class
2025-07-23 00:09:13
17
StoneSpice :
I understand that kids being on there phones in class and not paying attention is an issue but there's gotta be a better way to handle this. Kids should have a way to communicate with family quickly in case of emergencies.
2025-07-22 13:06:34
5
Gail Elizabeth Walden :
Good
2025-07-22 02:49:42
2
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