Gov. Key Ivey signed the FOCUS Act into law on May 14, creating legislation prohibiting student use of cell phones while in Alabama public schools.

Baldwin County Public Schools (BCPS) Superintendent Eddie Tyler released a statement on July 7 specifying how this new law would affect BCPS in the upcoming school year.

Students who ride the bus to and from school will not be allowed to access their cell phones while on the bus. Tyler encouraged these students to review the bus transportation rules in the Student Code of Conduct.

He explained that students are allowed to bring their phones to school but must leave them in cars or put them away in a Yondr pouch, which magnetically seals and is to be stored – silenced and untouched – in students backpacks.

“Students will keep the pouch with them but will not have the ability to unlock it,” Tyler said in the statement. “The pouch should only be unlocked when the student leaves campus for the day, however, each principal will be providing additional details regarding emergency situations and the exceptions that are outlined in the law and (school) board policy.”

According to the Yondr website, the pouch is designed for phones to be locked, but in possession of the user, while in a “phone-free area.” To access the phone after the pouch has been locked, the user must leave the phone-free zone and tap the pouch to a metal base, which unlocks the pouch allowing access to the phone.

The website says the product was created with the intention of being used by “artists, educators, organizations and individuals.”

Tyler, in his statement, said this pouch will be provided to middle and high school students, while elementary students who bring phones to school will have their devices stored in a locked box or designated space determined by the school’s principal.

He explained that the Yondr pouch was piloted by one of the BCPS middle schools last year showing positive results and students “adapted well after a couple of weeks.” He also mentioned how two high schools used a lock-box program to discourage cell phone use and had similar results.

“We understand this is a big change – and change can be a little uncomfortable at first,” Tyler said. “It will take time for all of us to adjust. However, we must comply with state law and this is the system we’ve chosen to do that.”

He told BCPS parents to stay tuned for specific school principal announcements detailing individual protocols and emergency exceptions.

Parents were encouraged by Tyler to prepare students for this shift in cell phone use by talking with students or even implementing cell phone limits over the summer.

“I must admit, even I hope to limit my device time, get outside and truly pause more to take in the world with the people who matter,” Tyler said. “I do know this, regardless of the challenges and angst that may come with having to lock up the devices, our administrators and educators will be here to help your students and you!”

A press release from The Office of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said this ban prohibits the use of wireless devices while in public schools to ensure students focus on learning, hence why it is called the FOCUS Act.

“Smart phones have beneficial roles when used in proper settings,” Ivey said in the press release. “However, these often-disruptive devices have no place in our classrooms during the school day except for educational purposes or during an emergency.”

The FOCUS Act, according to the release, also focuses on risks posed by internet-enabled devices, even those used within a school curriculum.

The act requires local school boards to adopt internet safety policies on school-owned devices. It also requires the Alabama State Department of Education to provide safe social media training to all students before they enter the eighth grade.

Rep. Leigh Hulsey, who sponsored the legislation, said, “The FOCUS Act will limit distractions and provide an avenue for every student in our state to get the absolute most out of their day at school, leading to a stronger Alabama of tomorrow.”