Latest news with #FocusAct
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Madison City school leaders and parents react to phones being banned during the school day
MADISON, Ala (WHNT) — The Focus Act will ban the use of cell phones during the school day starting this fall, and while that rule is the same for every school in the state, the guidelines and consequences in place will vary per school system. 'They're not to be even be on that person,' Madison City School Superintendent Ed Nichols said. 'The law talks about placing those in their cars or their lockers, or another designated area. For Madison, it will be their backpack or their purse to meet the law.' Madison City Schools asking for feedback on school rezoning Of course, there are a few exceptions for some students to access their phones. Some of these are for emergencies and individualized healthcare plans. Shari Moore is the mother of three Madison City Schools students. Her son, Clark, is heading into the fifth grade and happens to fall under one of these exceptions. 'He does have type one diabetes,' she said. He has a couple of devices that read his blood sugar.' Keller EMS becomes first ambulance service in Shoals to offer blood transfusions in the field She said they used to be in constant communication with Clark about managing his sugar, but they learned this was actually doing more harm than good. 'What we found out is that it was actually more of a hindrance for him in the learning environment,' she said. 'I wouldn't have thought that going in, but we did put that into practice, and it really was a distraction for him, for his classmates, and for his teacher.' Despite her son falling under the exception, she said she supports the Focus Act, saying it encourages a better learning environment and social skills outside of the classroom as well. 'From what my daughter has told me during lunch, everybody's on their phone,' she said. 'You should be learning those social skills. We are sending you to school to learn those as well as education.' Nichols said he supports the effort of enhancing learning in the classroom, but he wants to make sure the enforcement of the law doesn't take away from the education. 'I don't want teachers and administrators spending time dealing with a new law and all the intricacies of it, and that literally takes them away from focusing on instruction,' he said. 'I'm a little concerned that the reach of it was a little farther, maybe, than it needed to be, but it's the law and we're going to follow it.' The law says school systems must come up with punishments for policy violations by July 1st. Nichols said they are still working on this proposal, but they are thinking it will fall under a 'class two offense,' which will likely result in a suspension or loss of other privileges on campus. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alabama public school cellphone ban moves closer to Senate vote
Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, at a Senate Education Policy committee meeting on April 30, 2025, in the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Alabama. The committee approved HB 166, sponsored by Rep. Leigh Hulsey, R-Helena, Wednesday that bans cell phones in public schools during instructional time. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector) An Alabama Senate committee approved a House bill Wednesday to ban cellphones in schools. HB 166, sponsored by Rep. Leigh Hulsey, requires public school boards to adopt a policy banning cellphone use during instructional time. The Senate Education Policy Committee unanimously approved the legislation at its last meeting of the 2025 Legislative Session. 'This is the companion bill for the Focus Act,' Chesteen said. 'I know you've put about two years into this, so we look forward to getting it on the Senate floor and passing it into law.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Alabama House of Representatives approved the measure on April 4. The legislation also provides three exceptions for students to use their cell phones: if they study under an Individualized Education Plan that allows it; for teacher-approved instruction and for medical purposes. The House Education Policy Committee approved the Senate version of the bill, SB 92, sponsored by Sen. Donnie Chesteen, on April 16. Both bills await final approval from the second chamber. There are four legislative days left in the 2025 session. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Kay Ivey supporting effort to ban phones in Alabama schools
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — When it comes to education, Gov. Kay Ivey wants to put an end to distraction in the classroom. She said the Focus Act will do just that. Today, Gov. Ivey told Montgomery business leaders at a Chamber of Commerce meeting she wants to ban cell phone use for Alabama students, K-12. The Focus Act states phones must be put in a locker, backpack, car, or similar storage location. But, it does allow students to use them in the event of an emergency. 'Now, don't get me wrong. Our phones and social media are fantastic tools,' said Gov. Ivey. 'But, we have to know the time, place, and how to use them.' The act requires students to learn how to use those tools. That means completing a social media safety course before entering eighth grade. Rep. Leigh Hulsey (R-Helena) said she brought the bill because, data shows that phones are increasing anxiety and stress. She explained some schools have already put a phone policy in place. 'When they put this policy in place, they said they started hearing laughter in their halls again,' said Hulsey. 'Kids are high fiving each other, saying hey. They're meeting new people at lunch. And I think those are some things that we're missing with this generation.' Trussville City Council takes step toward enacting garbage collection fees Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) believes phones should be put away. But, she said the exceptions made in the bill don't do enough to protect children if something happens at school. 'In the bill, they're gonna be able to have them on campus, their lockers. That's not a workable solution for me,' she said. While some parents are also concerned, Hulsey assured that they will still be able to communicate with their kids. 'The priority here is really, keeping our kids safe while maintaining a focused learning environment. But, I want parents to know that I hear you, I understand your concern, and those concerns have been addressed in this legislation,' said Hulsey. There is a House, and a Senate version of the bill moving through the legislature. They are heading to the floor in both chambers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
