DOTHAN, Ala.(WDNews)
– As Wiregrass families gear up for the new school year, a major change is coming to classrooms across Alabama. A new state law known as the “Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety” (FOCUS) Act goes into effect this school year and will impact how students use cell phones and other devices during the day.
Starting now, students in public K-12 schools across the state — including Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark, Headland, and surrounding communities — are prohibited from using or carrying phones, tablets, or laptops on them during the instructional day. Devices must be powered off and stored away in lockers, vehicles, or designated areas.
The only exceptions are for students who have medical or learning-related plans that require device access, when used under teacher supervision for learning, or during emergencies.
Parents in Houston, Dale, Geneva, Coffee, and Henry counties should prepare for stricter phone rules at local schools. Students won’t be able to text home or check their phones during lunch, hallway breaks, or class time. Families may need to adjust their communication routines, especially during pick-up and drop-off hours.
Each local school board is required to have a written phone policy in place this summer, outlining rules and consequences. Schools must also share the guidelines with students, parents, teachers, and staff.
The law also adds new internet safety requirements. Students can no longer access most social media sites during school hours unless a teacher directs it for class purposes. Schools must block inappropriate content and online platforms that collect personal student data.
In addition, all students must complete a state-approved social media safety course before entering eighth grade. The online course teaches safe social media habits, how to recognize online threats like cyberbullying or scams, and the long-term risks of oversharing.
Students in grades 8–12 who haven’t taken the course yet will also be required to complete it this year.
The FOCUS Act was passed by the Alabama Legislature to improve student focus and safety. Supporters say it aims to reduce distractions in the classroom and protect mental health by limiting screen time and encouraging safer digital habits.
