Can AL parents face jail time under the FOCUS Act if kids break cellphone ban? What to know
The FOCUS Act, or HB166, aims to reduce classroom distractions by requiring students to turn off their devices and store them in lockers, cars, or school-issued pouches.
Districts across the state are now rolling out discipline policies, and in at least one case, parents could be held legally responsible if their children don't comply.
Here's what to know.
Gadsden City Schools, following guidelines, has banned more than just cell phones. Under new guidelines, students are prohibited from using smartwatches, tablets, AirPods, gaming devices, or any other device that can send voice or text messages during school hours. That includes before and after school, lunch and PE unless they receive special permission.
The consequences ramp up quickly. For a first offense, the device is confiscated, and the parents are notified. By the second and third offense, students face in-school and out-of-school suspension.
But on the fourth offense, it's not just the student who faces punishment. The school board says parents or guardians will be referred to the District Attorney's Office.
In Montgomery, students are already required to lock away their phones each morning. The city's school board has an approved contract with Yondr, a company that provides magnetic pouches to store phones during the day securely.
Under the policy, students will place their devices in a pouch that locks until the end of the day. Anyone who doesn't comply could face disciplinary action, according to the Montgomery Public Schools' current code of conduct.
As of June 2025, MPS was seeking information to verify that using Yonder aligns with the new law.
Tuscaloosa schools are also rolling out Yondr pouches. To unlock them, students will swipe the pouch against special magnets at designated areas, like main exits.
Students who attempt to use devices during the day risk having them confiscated, losing privileges or facing other penalties, school officials said.
The FOCUS Act does make exceptions for specific emergencies. Students with health conditions requiring phone use or personalized education plans, such as an IEP, are allowed to use their devices in class when necessary.
The FOCUS Act goes beyond limiting cellphone use. It also addresses online safety.
The law requires local school boards to adopt internet safety policies for school-issued devices. It directs the Alabama State Department of Education to provide safe social media training for all students before they enter eighth grade.
Supporters say these measures will help protect children and teens, keep them focused in class, improve academic performance and build stronger classroom communities.
The FOCUS Act leaves it up to the schools to decide how devices will be stored during the school day, but as of now, most schools ask that they be turned off and stored in a backpack or off the person.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Can Alabama parents get face jail time under new school cellphone ban?
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