Alabama Senate passes bill to ban cell phones in public schools

April 9, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, Al - The Alabama Senate passed bipartisan legislation to ban cell phones in schools. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) applauded the move on social media.

"The Senate unanimously passed the FOCUS Act, which removes the distraction of cell phones during students' classes," said Gov. Ivey on X. "There's a time and a place for our phones, but while a teacher is teaching is NOT it. Thank you, Sen. Donnie Chesteen. Let's get this bill to my desk!"

Senate Bill 92 is sponsored by State Senator Donnie Chesteen (R-Dothan).

"I think we've got to go back and remember what we have these kids in school form and that's to get an education," Chesteen said. "Teachers are spending too much of their time trying to get students to put their cell phones up."

The proposed bill has the goal of restricting students' access to cell phones during school hours. Proponents of the cell phone ban argue that the presence of mobile phones in schools is a significant distraction that hinders the learning process. Teachers have reported that students often engage in texting, social media, and gaming during lessons, leading to decreased attention spans and lower academic achievement. By eliminating this distraction, supporters believe that students will be more focused and better able to engage with their studies. Advocates highlight the potential social and emotional benefits of a cell phone ban. Many educational experts assert that constant access to mobile phones can contribute to cyberbullying, harassment, and the spread of inappropriate content among students.

According to the synopsis, "Under existing law, a local board of education may permit a pupil to carry or use a pocket pager, cellular telephone, or other electronic communication device while on school property. This bill would repeal that law. This bill would prohibit a student from using, operating, or possessing a wireless communications device on public elementary or secondary school grounds during the instructional day subject to certain exceptions and subject to written policies adopted by a local board of education to implement this act. This bill would require each local board of education to adopt an internet safety policy that addresses student access to the internet on district-owned devices. This bill would require students to receive instruction on the risks and benefits of social media and how to use social media safely prior to entering the eighth grade."

Similar legislation, House Bill 166, passed the House of Representatives last week. HB115 was signed by State Representative Leigh Hulsey (R-McCalla).

"Turning them loose, sometimes with a device that is extremely useful in a lot of ways but can also be damaging when they're still learning how to just process life and develop critical thinking skills. I think that I could not look at the data that I saw and not do something," Hulsey said. "Even if I failed, I had to try."

Governor Ivey advocated for the FOCUS Act in her state of the state address.

Thursday is Day 21 of the Alabama regular legislative session. The legislature has a maximum of 30 business days that they are allowed to meet in a regular session.

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