HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey signed the FOCUS Act, which prohibits students from using smartphones and other wireless devices in public schools.
News 19 spoke to several people in downtown Huntsville Wednesday evening to get their thoughts on this change. Most people said they think it is a good idea to get rid of distractions in the classroom, but some had concerns about safety and being able to communicate with family members throughout the day.
One high school senior said he thinks phones can be distracting.
“I have a lot of friends who just sit on their phone all class period and don’t get anything done,” said Jordan Cre.
However, he doesn’t necessarily agree with prohibiting phones altogether.
“Honestly, I feel like in some cases phones help,” he said.
Cre said he has a hard time focusing in class and typically listens to music to help him zone in.
“If I don’t have anything to listen to or look at than I can’t focus on my work” he said.
However, focus is exactly what Alabama lawmakers want to restore in the classroom. Governor Ivey signed the Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety (FOCUS) Act on Wednesday.
“I love the intent of the rule, I just think enforcement would be pretty difficult,” said Ethan Alexander.
He said he thinks it could be good for students to be less distracted by their devices, but he isn’t sure if this is the way to go.
“I don’t know if the state needs to mandate it as a rule, per se,” Alexander told News 19.
Most school systems across North Alabama already have a cell phone and social media policy in place. For example, Huntsville City School’s Student Code of Conduct already requires students to have their phones turned off and stored in backpacks, purses or lockers during instructional time.
A spokesperson for Huntsville City Schools said it will make any necessary changes to ensure compliance with the FOCUS Act. Other school systems News 19 reached out to said the same.
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