MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Legislation aimed at curbing cellphone use in schools is on the brink of becoming law in Alabama, following the state Senate’s decisive vote on Wednesday. The Senate voted overwhelmingly—30 in favor, with just 2 opposed—to forbid students in K-12 public schools from using cellphones during school hours. Under the proposed law, students would be required to keep their phones turned off and stored in a locker, vehicle, or a similar storage area during instructional time.
The bill is now set to be reviewed by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, who has been a vocal proponent of this measure. In her State of the State address earlier this year, Ivey specifically advocated for a ban on cellphones in classrooms, citing its importance for educational focus.
Republican Senator Donnie Chesteen, one of the bill’s principal supporters, remarked on the effectiveness of similar bans already enacted in various school systems. “In the school systems where this has been implemented, it has worked,” he stated, indicating positive outcomes from reduced cellphone disruptions.
While many Alabama schools already enforce their own rules regarding cellphone use, this legislation mandates the restriction across all school districts in the state. However, the bill does grant schools the autonomy to devise specific methods for storing the devices when not in use.
The movement to restrict or outright ban cellphones in schools is gaining momentum across the United States. Concerns frequently raised by proponents include that mobile phones contribute to classroom distractions and that excessive screen time can adversely affect social interactions and mental health.
Beyond Alabama, several states—such as Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia—have passed analogous legislation restricting cellphone usage in schools. The trend reflects a broader national reevaluation of technology’s place in educational settings.
Despite the widespread support for the bill, not all amendments were accepted. Republican Senator Chris Elliott proposed an amendment that would allow students to contact their parents during the day, but it was not incorporated. Elliott argued that parents might disapprove if they couldn’t communicate essential updates, like a change in practice schedules or car troubles, with their children.