DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — As the new school year gets underway, many parents and students across the Wiregrass are still adjusting to Alabama’s new cell phone restrictions in public schools. The FOCUS Act, which took effect with the 2025–2026 school year, now bans students from using or carrying phones and other wireless devices during the school day unless specific exceptions apply.
Under the new law, students must keep their phones turned off and stored away—not in pockets or purses—during instructional hours. Acceptable places to store devices include lockers, backpacks, vehicles, or sealed storage pouches. The ban applies to all wireless communication devices, including tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, and even smart glasses.
There are a few exceptions. Students can still use their devices if it’s written into an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 plan, or a medical health plan. Teachers can also allow devices for instructional use, and phones may be used in emergencies or for documented medical needs like blood sugar monitoring.
One important detail is that the FOCUS Act does not ban students from using their phones while riding school buses. Since buses fall outside the scope of the school day and classroom setting, phone use is permitted during transit—unless individual school systems adopt stricter rules.
The Alabama State Department of Education is also requiring schools to offer digital safety education and will begin tracking how well schools are enforcing the law. Parents are encouraged to check with their local school to understand any additional guidelines that may be in place.
The goal of the new law is to limit classroom distractions and protect student mental health. School officials hope the clear statewide policy will make enforcement easier and more consistent for teachers and administrators.
