Students across Alabama are getting used to a new classroom standard: no phones. The new FOCUS Act, signed into law in May, prohibits the use of all cellular devices during the school day with an aim to eliminate needless distraction in the classroom.
The opinions between students and teachers on the topic are very mixed. Teachers, as likely expected, are fond of the new law and the majority of students have a different opinion.
Proponents of the law argue it encourages students to talk to each other and encourages students to be where their feet are instead of being locked in the digital world.
World history teacher of six years Mallory Killam noticed a difference in student behavior on the first day of school, with students interacting with each other more rather than looking at their phones.
“I have seen a big shift in students talking more to each other and a lot more focus in general,” Killam said.
While in years past students should have only been using cell phones as part of class instruction, the new law prohibits their use almost entirely.
Killam believes students knowing it’s a state law and not simply a school policy has made students more willing to comply.
Students like sophomore Parker White argue the new law overreaches can create challenges outside of school curriculum.
“I actually do feel like it’s a negative mainly because I feel like kids are struggling to be able to communicate with their parents about after school plans,” White said.
Bennett Rowan agrees about the challenges with sorting after school plans.
“I’m someone who loves being prepared and notified ahead of time, so it is stressful on the communication end,” Rowan said.
A lot of communication from teachers and coaches now moves through ParentSquare and StudentSquare; however, this is less convenient than simply sending text messages.
But in terms of the classroom, White concedes that he does see the reasons for the change.
“I think there are some positives to it,” White added. “I think that kids could be more focused during the actual school, but I do think that the negatives outweigh the positives.”
Rowan said not being able to use his phone during lunch or study is the biggest change, but the FOCUS Act “hasn’t really helped or prevented me from doing my work.”
