'Focus on school': Gov. Kay Ivey signs bill banning phones in classrooms
Gov. Kay Ivey has signed a bill banning the use of cell phones in Alabama public school classrooms.
The FOCUS Act stands for "Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety."
Students can still bring phones to school, but they must be turned off and stored away.
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Some parents say they feel the bill won't allow them to speak with their children during an emergency.
There are exceptions for students who have health conditions and may need their phones.
Ivey said research shows students are spending way too much time on their phones.
"According to a recent survey, 72% of high school teachers in the country reported that cell phones are distracting students," Ivey said. "We have also learned from parents that teens are spending an average of almost five hours every day on social media, and it is having a negative impact on their well-being."
鈥淎s a parent, equipping my children to excel in all aspects of life is priority number one, and what they learn in the classroom plays an immense role in that,鈥� said Rep. Leigh Hulsey. 鈥淭he FOCUS Act will limit distractions and provide an avenue for every student in our state to get the absolute most out of their day at school, leading to a stronger Alabama of tomorrow.
Coverage when the Senate passed it below:
鈥淪mart phones have beneficial roles when used in proper settings," said Ivey. "However, these often-disruptive devices have no place in our classrooms during the school day except for educational purposes or during an emergency. The FOCUS Act will enable students to 鈥榝ocus鈥� on learning while in school rather than on their phones.鈥�
The FOCUS Act will also protect children and teens by requiring the Alabama State Department of Education to offer safe social media training for all students prior to entering the eighth grade.