Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, students must put away all personal electronics, such as phones and laptops, during school hours. This is thanks to the “Freeing our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety” Act, better known as the FOCUS Act. It’s having an enormous impact on how things run in schools across Alabama.
On May 14, 2025, Governor Kay Ivey signed the FOCUS Act into law. Under this law, personal devices capable of wireless communication are strictly prohibited during the school day. This includes class time, transitions, and lunches. Students are also prohibited from accessing any social media platform for any reason, regardless of what device is used. Official documentation referenced the existence of several studies stating that electronic devices are negatively impacting learning ability, and other studies that show that increased social media usage may negatively impact mental health. Governor Ivey and other state legislators believe that this act will help alleviate these problems. The FOCUS Act will also require students to complete a course covering the effects and risks of social media, as well as how to use it safely and effectively. This course is now a requirement for students entering the 8th grade. Any school in Alabama that fails to meet minimum standards as outlined in the law will receive a 30% deduction from its state funding.
In an interview, Governor Ivey stated, “Smartphones have beneficial roles when used in proper settings. 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 ‘focus’ on learning while in school rather than on their phones.” This claim was met with support from many teachers and parents, who agree that phones have no place in the classroom or during the school day.
AFTER NINE WEEKS …
Students’ reactions haven’t been very positive. In a survey done among Bob Jones students, 90% of students claim that they do not like the FOCUS Act. One student said, “The Focus Act makes it nearly impossible to communicate with parents and teammates for urgent scheduling matters. For the smaller sports like bowling, where we take our own transportation, this act hinders our ability to schedule last-minute rides to practice and games.” One of the most overwhelming criticisms of the FOCUS Act is the general lack of easy communication between parents or friends for important matters or emergencies. Many students also rely on music to focus, and the lack of personal devices presents an obstacle that many find displeasing. Other students say that for some classes, they were often required to use their phones for different activities. They also said that they would use them between classes, at lunch, or when they were finished with their work or lessons, which they can no longer do.
On the other hand, a response in favor of the FOCUS Act stated, “I have noticed a significant difference in my personal social life and academics, both of which have improved this year. I can’t take all the credit for that, as I’m well aware the absence of electronics has a large part in that.” Of all the students surveyed, 29% believe the FOCUS Act is helpful to school performance, 34% said it is harmful, and 37% are unsure of its effects.
In contrast with the students, the teacher’s reception has been incredibly positive. In one response, a teacher said, “The students are more focused on the material we are covering in class and they actively engage in discussions. It’s a joy to teach and have students thinking about their responses as opposed to trying to check their phones for missed messages.” All surveyed claimed that they liked the FOCUS Act and found it helpful.
There have also been some mixed sentiments among teachers, though, with one response stating, “I like that phones and listening devices have been outlawed during school hours. I believe that in the last few years, these devices have become a major impediment to learning… I believe the law went too far in banning personal computers. There are many students who have Chromebooks that don’t work for various reasons. What are those students supposed to do when they are in class?” While all the teachers surveyed expressed their support, many also acknowledged that personal technology can be useful in certain applications or for certain activities.
Overall, the FOCUS Act has had a significant impact on school activities and how students and teachers approach them. Students will continue to be prohibited from using personal electronic devices for the foreseeable future.
