Starting this fall, students in Alabama’s public schools will need to keep their phones out of sight and powered off during class time. The new statewide rule, part of the FOCUS Act signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey, took effect July 1.

According to Lowndes County Public Schools Superintendent Samita Jeter, administrators are working on a protocol for managing the new statewide mandate.

“We haven’t ironed out the consequences yet,” she said. “We will get those out to parents next week when principals return to school.”

The goal of the legislation is to cut down on classroom distractions and help students stay focused. Under the new policy, phones and other personal devices have to be turned off and stored away — from the first bell in the morning until school lets out in the afternoon.

That means phones in backpacks, lockers, cars, or school-issued pouches — not in pockets or on desks.

There are a few common-sense exceptions. Students who use their phones for medical purposes or have documented accommodations with the school may continue to keep them accessible. Additionally, teachers may permit phone use during class when it is relevant to the lesson or activity.

Many Alabama schools already had their own phone policies in place, but this law creates a consistent rule across the state. Supporters say it’s a step in the right direction, pointing to research linking phone use with distractions, anxiety, and lower academic performance.

Jeter clarified the new rule and said, “While technology has become a big part of our daily lives, we’ve also seen how it can compete with attention, learning, and even student well-being. The purpose of this policy isn’t to punish students, but to create an environment where they can thrive — academically, socially and emotionally.”

Some parents have voiced concerns about being able to reach their kids in an emergency, but schools will still allow controlled access in urgent situations.

With the new school year right around the corner, Lowndes County Public Schools are now working out the details of how they’ll enforce the policy.

“Like it or not, students will have to get used to learning without their phones in hand, and that might not be such a bad thing,” Jeter said.