Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill into law that would enforce a ban on the use of cellphones by students in public schools across the state.
The ban would include restrictions on the use smartphones as well as many other wireless devices while kids are in school. Ivey signed the FOCUS Act into law on Wednesday while being flanked by middle school students.
Alabama Governor Signs Cellphone Ban Bill Into Law
The governor said she had previously repeated the requests of parents and teachers in Alabama as they called for a ban on the use of cellphones in schools. Ivey said that these devices have benefits when used properly but are often disruptions when educators are teaching students.
The Alabama leader said that the FOCUS Act will help students focus more on their education while in school instead of wasting time on their cellphones. Rep. Leigh Hulsey said the signing of the bill is not just about legislation but also about the future of students and teachers, according to WSFA.
Read more: Ohio Gov. Calls for Cellphone Ban in Schools, Sparking Parents' Concerns About Student Safety
She argued that what her kids learn inside school classrooms plays an immense role in her desire for her kids to excel in all aspects of life. Hulsey added that the FOCUS Act will reduce the amount of distractions that students experience and provide them an avenue to get the most out of their school day.
Hulsey also expressed her gratitude to Gov. Ivey for allowing her to sponsor the FOCUS Act and her colleagues for supporting her. The development comes as internet-enabled devices present risks to students even when they are properly used as part of their school curriculum.
Helping Students Focus on Learning
This is why the new bill will also require local boards of education to adopt internet safety policies that manage how students can access the internet on school-owned devices. Sen. Donnie Chesteen said their goal is to create an environment that allows students to reach their full potential, the Alabama Governor's Office reported.
The signing of the bill into law comes as Pike Road Junior High already has a pouch policy for cellphones and credits students' success to that policy. The school's principal, Christy Wright, thanked Gov. Ivey for her leadership following the passage of the law.
The development also got mixed reactions from parents across Alabama, with some supporting the bill and some being a little more skeptical. Supporters believe that cellphones are distracting while others worry that their children may not be able to contact them immediately if there is an emergency, as per Fox10TV.
